Devin- For more information about the NROTC program online, we suggest that you visit http://officer.marines.com/marine/making_marine_officers/commissioning_programs/nrotc. The best person to answer specific questions about the NROTC scholarship program is your local recruiter. You can request more information by completing the form on http://www.marines.com/rmi

I am going through a similar routine as you I'm only 16 though but I have it set up to where I can enlist at 17 because I'm graduating a year early so I'll be leaving this July on the 15th and ill be back in October. Not sure on the exact date, but you only have to go to college if you plan to become an officer. Later on you can still become an officer just you would be an nco( non commissioned officer ) I wouldn't take the college route because it's 4 years you would be wasting and you can be no older than 23 when you enlist so I would enlist when you are done with high school. This is just my personal opinion but it's your life to live as you choose.