Research different colleges and universities before applying to a specific one. Core requirements and prerequisites will vary from school to school. If you plan on transferring to another school while pursuing your degree, make sure all of your credits will apply toward your degree at the other school.
Begin college with a plan. Know your major and stick with it. If there is any question or doubt -- take as many general required credits as possible -- until you make a decision. Make sure you're making use of each course credit: Any change of major or minor can cause a delay, and you may end up with elective or credit hours that don't apply toward your degree.
Plan your academic success. Your academic adviser will help you with the planning and scheduling process, but you are ultimately in charge. Keep a daily planner and stay ahead of schedule. Add classes as soon as possible, at the beginning of each semester, so you can go forward with your academic plans without glitches.
Keep extracurricular activities to a minimum. If you are taking more than full time credit hours, you will have a busy schedule. To stay ahead, you'll need to sacrifice and skip out on many social activities.
Take the maximum credit hours allowed, and sign up for year-round courses. Your school may even offer accelerated courses, night classes, online courses, or summer school. Look into all possibilities, and utilize the different class options available.