A nice post indeed sir,
For clarity purposes I have bolded your statements and arranged them into bullets, if I have missed somthing please feel free to remind me and i will adress that problem as it arises.
1.The shoplifting charge;
Not nearly the same thing, but close none the less.. When I was 15 like an idiot I thought stealing was cool, I literally got arrested for stealing a candy bar. I know it sounds like the proverbial haha, but i assure you it is true. Now in my situation, I was able to have my record expunged due to being a minor, so I am not exactly sure about your situation. I can tell you this as someone who was not a recruiter, there is a waiver for you somewhere it is just a matter of uncovering it.
2. I think that this statement is spot on. You should view your situation as this. You are applying for a job, really a profession but still, and whatever you can do to make yourself more competitive for that job should be done.Bottom line, for you; finish at least 3 more hours. If you need to go to a community college so be it. If nothing else get those 3 hours otherwise you are a huge time investment, one that an over missioned recruiter may not be interested in pursuing.
3. I can somewhat identify with this. I never overtly knew that I wanted in the Marine Corps or the military for that matter, but i always knew it underneath. If what you say is true this will not change in 4 years of college, but may change as a boot at your first unit. Either way, again college seems like your best path if a career is your eventual outcome. If you are just looking for a head start, enlist. Either way you are still stuck with the 3 hours predicament.
4. As for funding.. I am not sure of your financial status, and if you want to discuss somthing like that send me a PM, i will be happy to send you my contact info. However it seems like you are still living at home? Do you have a part time job? And if so have you tried to find one that offers tuition assistance? On top of that are you aware that the Marine Corps recently offered a 30k tuition reimbursement for current officers?
Clicky
While I cannot guarantee that this will still be around when you come in, it is resonable to assume that the probability of it is mediocre.
5.See # 4
6. I completely identify with this. When I enlisted in 2002 I lived in Williamson county Tennessee. Brentwood is like the beverly hills of the south. Every Damn person there had their flag or support the troops sticker but I was the only person from my high school to go in directly out of high school. While your reasons may be different, I think you can see the parallels.
While your milelage may very, the outcome is still the same. IF YOU HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO BECOME AN OFFICER DO SO!!!!:D
7.From a party perspective college is a blast, but if you are not either A) 19 years old or B) unconcerned with your future, you start to see the garbage of the situation.
8. This may be your best option, regardless of MOS. I have a long story about this but I will save it for a future post if required.
9. This may change over time, again i will respond to this in the future if needed.