Any helpful advice for Enlisted vets that are in the process of commissioning?

So let me say this as a former Devil Dog. I love the USMC. I served from 94-98 got out for school and did same thing to commission but there are way more officer opportunities in the Army than Marines. And depending on ur age when u finish that could also be a factor as well. My love for the Corps is deep but i also understood that goals and outcomes vary so i had to make a decision to join the Army instead. I’m just as happy now also so i don’t want anyone to think I’m downplaying the US Army. So keep this mind as you move forward. There may come a time when u have to make a decision you never thought u would have to make. In order for u to realize ur goals however, u just might have to go a different route and nothing wrong with that.

Have you looked into ROTC? If your school doesn't offer it you may be able to contract at a nearby school. It would be easier than OCS and once you graduated, you'd commission. If Navy ROTC works like the Army though, you need 2 years of ROTC. So you might have to stay in school another semester. But you get paid for being in ROTC and it would be time you'd spend at OCS (at least partly) so there's worse things that could happen. Good luck.

The first step is talking to your local Officer Selection Officer (OSO). From what I have heard, the process is pretty competitive now. I came back in in 2011 and it was competitive then so I can imagine how tough it might be now. That being said, your GPA, SAT, ASVAB, PFT, CFT, and ect. matter. If you are competitive in most categories and you have drive, you're a Marine so I'm sure you do, then you can get there. As I said in the beginning, the first thing you need to do is to talk to your OSO and begin attending PT sessions/meetings. It is very much like the Poolee/DEP program. Other than that age and some tattoos are waiverable. Good luck Marine and Semper Fi.