Best way to complete ratings

[higney85]

Hey guys and gals this is my first post on the forum so i may stumble over search criteria but im sorry. A short background: Im 17, senior in HS, Have my private and and working on the instrument. Have about 60 hours total time right now and am flying under part 141. My goal is to fly for fedex, my dad is a fedex MD-11 captain and i must say that i definately want to do the same. He went the air force route though and I am pursuing the civilian way. I have been accepted the MTSU and should hear back at the end of the month if i recieved a flight lab for the commercial slot this upcoming fall. This is where my question stems from. I have a 3.0GPA which is above minimums but it does not assure me of a flight spot. In the event that I do not recieve a flight spot I am really debating going to the local state university and getting a business degree and getting my commercial, multi, CFI, CFII, and MEI this summer/fall and having all my ratings by the turn into 2004. Ill be 18 and would try and get to instruct at the place where I have been working on my ratings (i would get all my ratings from this place). I really am having a hard time deciding which path to go if I dont recieve a flight spot for the fall. MTSU is very reputable but wouldnt it be just as good to get my ratings earlier and build up time- even if just instructing? I would be able to get my 4-year degree in 3 years (summer classes) and be 21 with hours, 4-year degree, and all the ratings. How did some of yall build up time and such? Im sorry if this is a stupid question but im wondering if actual hours or a rep is more important. I will have a 4-year degree either way.