Yeah my dad was an NFO in the Marine Corps and I asked him, if he were in my position what he would do(i'm 20/25 but I meet the refractive requirements). He said that if he were me he'd chose the pilot contract because that's what he when he was in my postion. Having said that he loved his time as an NFO also. If my eyes worsen before I get the NOMI physical before API then I'm absolutely going to take the NFO slot, but if not I don't see why I wouldn't take the Pilot slot. I mean even as a pilot you have the possibility of selecting an aircraft in which you'd fly with NFOs. which I would like to do.
I am in the same position you are as far as graduation(quarter system). I'm speaking with the admission and records office at my school, seeing if they'll let me finish a few weeks ahead of schedule so that I can attend the June class, but I'm not thinking that it will fly. Outside of that, I'd say contact your OSO as soon as possible. This way they get to know you and understand your motivation, he/she is a good person to have on your side. Outside of that you won't be in a rush to finish your packet. I contacted mine back in July. On my practice stuff for the ASTB, I was scoring in the 80% the M/V and MC, and 90%+ in the saptial, and aviation/nautical portion. I pretty much put it off untl I was ready. Your OSO should give you some extra prep material also when you contact him. I used both and felt that it was beneficail.
Topher