Make the decision to commit yourself to earning an 'A'.
Attend and ask questions in each class.
Take good notes.
Know the syllabus inside and out, and adhere to its deadlines and policies.
Consider joining a study group, getting tutoring, or reviewing supplementary study material.
Stop by during the professor's office hours for additional direction or assistance.
Work on assignments immediately to give you time to revise, revise, revise, and practice, practice, practice.
To prepare for every class, read the assigned chapter beforehand and note any questions.
After class, review anything you didn't understand, look up answers to quizzes, and tackle the study guide.
Read everything. Highlight relevant material. Remember, if you get behind, it is too difficult to catch up.
Check the class (Internet) Web page often. Many professors put most of the news, events, and items of interest for students on this page.
You may need to work on your writing (communication skills) above all else. Get a writing handbook, style guide, and a good college dictionary.
Know your concepts, your terminology, and your facts.
Do extra credit assignments.
Set aside a regular study schedule and give yourself enough time to master the material. At a minimum, students are asked to study two hours a week for every hour in class.
Periodically review lecture notes and other study materials.
Use a semester/quarter planner.