ATC from a financial stand point is a much better career choice. Most will say you should do what you want to do though. If you have no previous flying experience but flight sim, maybe you wont like it as much as you think. I would give ATC a shot while pursuing flying and see how it works out in college. ATC first year you'll make about 42,000, pilot for a regional will make about half. ATC second year at a level 12 you will make 70,000-95,000, and after 3-4 years depending on check out you'll be well over 110,000. Now I see no downside to going ATC, as a pilot you could be lucky to get into the 40,000+ range in 4 years. But if you love flying, fly, if you find you love ATC go that route. Do what you want to do, it will make life much easier.