Everyone is saying do a 4 year degree, well thats okay, but to be a little more specific try and do a degree you will enjoy but related in some way. My Degrees are in Physics and Avionics. These really helped in getting to where i wanted to be.
The best way to get to Airline pilot is to go through a well reputable place. This idea of 0 to ATPL is rubbish. A lot of major airlines, i know here at BA, are picky about where their pilots come from.
Also, always stride to be at the top of your class. Striving for just a pass sucks, if you are at the top, or there-abouts you are standing a fighting chance of getting selected for an Airline before you even leave flight school. This is always a bonus, when i left i was picked up by a low cost airline, and when i had a few hours behind me, and a degree from Oxford Aviation, BA were willing to take me on.
Its a tough world to get into, and if you don't put in the effort, 110% you wont get into itm, esspecially with Terrorism and things now.
Hope this helps. If you have any quyestions or anything like that get in touch with me through my profile.
Tom