Decide
Two options which you have received - get a degree, and then decide if you want to go to Jerez, or go to Spain in September.
If you had asked me a similar question 20 years ago, I would have said go flying NOW.
Today however I think, on balance, the advice would be to obtain a degree [does not have to be aviation connected] , then consider flying.
If you wish to be "recommended" by the FTO, work hard at ground school, first time passes - average 85%+ : achieve better than average in the flying progress tests, and a first time pass of the IRT. Good MCC as well.
Probably the most important feature is that you are a "team member". CRM etc etc.
You then stand a chance of being noticed, unless you have your connections in aviation.
Remember the FTOs do have their connections on the outside.