Of course they lied to you. Their primary concern is obtaining your money, like all schools, and all car salesman.
If you want to be a Marine, get your GED and 15 college credits from a brick and mortor school. The Marine Corps is the most selective of all services because they are the smallest--their physical requirements are much more stringent as well.
I have been in the Marine Corps for 20 years, and have loved every moment of it. However, I warn you that it won't be easy.
You could join the Army, get out, and attempt to join the Marine Corps. However, you will have to go to Marine Corps boot camp, and you will start as an E3, no matter what rank you attained in the Army.
My suggestion is this: Either join the Army and stick with it, or hold off until you meet the requirements to become a Marine. It is a good idea to speak with all of the service recruiters so you can make the right choice. Every service maintains and enforces their own cultural values--some significantly more extreme than the others. You need to make the right choice so you won't be miserable. Most want to be Marines, but few are willing to do what it takes to become a Marine and be successful throughout their first tour and beyond.
Make sure you do your research and choose wisely. Good luck.
