Yes I agree I'm a bit young but I will still apply for university and integrated courses as by the time I hear from universities I should have heard from flight schools like CTC and OAA. I was told by a BA pilot try as soon as possible as he said just like you said if you don't get in go to uni and do a course like Aeronautical Engineering and the chances of you getting in will be much better after you complete the degree.
I can see where you are coming from but you don't know until you try.