Start early. Perhaps the best way to prepare for success in college is to get started as early as possible with processes. Complete the Bay application online for free. Apply for financial aid at FAFSA.ed.gov. Find out about scholarship opportunities. 

Plan ahead. To avoid stress and manage your workload, plan ahead for all of your assignments. Get a course syllabus (outline) for each course, and read carefully. There you will find the instructor’s expectations as well as a schedule for major assignments.

Make connections. Find students to study with. Share emails and phone numbers with a buddy or two in each class for support.

Select courses. Choose classes carefully. Nothing can cause you more problems than getting overwhelmed by a class for which you are not prepared. Pay close attention to course descriptions, and consult an advisor before registering each term.

Seek help. If you need advice with academic or personal matters, take time to talk with the support professionals who are available to help students. If you have trouble with a class, go to your professor. Also check out tutoring, online study and support services.

Do the work. It may sound simple, but an essential factor in college success is completing all assignments. If you do everything that is asked of you, the odds of success will be in your favor.