Expert: John L - 5/12/2009

Question
I'm trying to get into the Marines, but I came from a less orthodox high
school (it was an independent study program) which is putting me into too
low of a tier for them to accept me. I realize you are national guard, but you
said you were a recruiter, so I though you might have a good understanding
of all the standards for acceptance.

Basically I called up my local recruiter. He took all my info, I met with him
in person. I have no drug or felony record. I took a test while I was there, I
cannot remember the name of it but my score was over 90%. He said I was a
perfect candidate, accept for one thing, which is my high school. I transfered
out of the regular 4 year high school in my city into an independent study/
enrichment (being duel enrolled in high school and a community college)
program. If I realized at the time I would want to join the service and how it
would affect my way in I would not have made that choice, but its too late
now. Apparently people from independent study programs have a 90% drop-
out rate and therefore the Corps no longer accepts unless they're desperate
for troops, I'm guessing you're familiar with that though.

Is there any kind of loophole. I heard somewhere that a certain number of
college credits can make-up for my high school. Since its an enrichment
program i've taken about 12-15 units at a community college in the past 2
years. If you know of anything that will help that would be great. Any input
you have would be great. Or if you have more specific information on the
subject maybe I can at least educate myself in what I can do to get in. I
realize this is not your exact field of expertise, so I'm not expecting a lot
more than a shot in the dark. Either way, thanks.
-john

Answer
Once you have 15 college credit hours, you are considered a college student and no longer in that lower tier group.  I would take more classes to get to that point, otherwise I am not sure what the Marines would take.  

You can also try the regular Army, they might take you if you score above a 50  on the ASVAB.

Good luck