Learn as much as possible about the fraternity's pledging program before you commit to pledging. Ask around your dorm or older classmates about what they've heard. Talk with the brothers and the pledge master. This gives you a better idea of what to expect -- i.e. are there mandatory study halls each night? A community service component? -- as well as an opportunity to hear rumors about whether there is hazing, possibly influencing your decision on pledging.
Rearrange your schedule to make academics your top focus during pledging. Pledging a fraternity does no good if you get expelled from school for poor grades. Set aside time each day to complete your homework, and plan ahead to complete projects and papers on time. Seek out support from fellow pledges to keep yourself accountable.
Put aside your pride, to some extent. Pledging usually involves some degree of humiliation, such as walking around in public in a bathing suit, dressing up in costumes, reciting facts or singing fraternity songs on command, or addressing brothers as "sir" around campus. Remember that pledging will end eventually, and a good attitude will make the period go by quicker than complaining. However, also remember that if the humiliation progresses into hazing, you should refuse to participate, talk with your pledge master or fraternity advisor or, in extreme cases, contact the national fraternity.
Approach pledging with enthusiasm. Be a leader in pledge outings, encourage fellow pledges and listen to fraternity brothers. Ultimately, pledging is about proving your worthiness as a fraternity brother. Show the brothers you care about the fraternity through your enthusiasm.
Obey the requirements of the pledging program, from mandatory study halls to memorizing facts about the fraternity. Infractions will count against you. You also likely will be tested on fraternity knowledge and traditions as part of the pledging process, and failing the test can get you kicked out.
Keep fraternity information and rituals secret. This often is a requirement of pledging and joining a fraternity, and revealing secret information about the fraternity can get you into trouble.
Conserve your energy when you can. Pledging often gets progressively harder and more time consuming, culminating in "hell week." Sleep when possible and try to get time away from the fraternity and pledges so you're more refreshed when you're required to be there.