At the beginning of each semester, we all have the same intentions: we’re going to study hard, ace every exam and every paper and project we turn in will set a new standard of excellence for all future assignments. Straight A’s? Check. Dean’s List? Check. The pride of our parents, brothers, professors and friends? Check, check, check and check.

And then something happens. Blame it on Homecoming events (“I’m proud to be a part of this University!”), Greek recruitment activities (“This is the finest class of brothers ever!”), or even just life (“Hey, it’s tough being out here on my own…”). Despite your best intentions, you end up skipping a few classes, falling behind in your studies, and missing a few key deadlines. The result: you start earning B’s and C’s instead of A’s.

Suddenly, “4.0” becomes “Three Point Uh-Oh.”

It doesn’t have to happen, though.  With some dedication to your studies and a little bit of preparation, you can earn straight A’s. For starters, try following these tips:

Get Organized

Take the syllabus for each class, and highlight the important due-dates. Put them in your calendar, planner, smart phone, tablet or all of the above. Be the guy who always knows when everything is due so you can plan ahead. Make a list of everything you have to accomplish, and keep that list with you so you know exactly what you have to do and how long it will take to complete it. Being organized doesn’t make you a geek—it makes you prepared.

Don’t Procrastinate

Start studying now. Not next week. Not three days before the test. And certainly not the night before. Look over your notes from each class and make sure you understand the principles, concepts and theories you discussed during class. Take 15 minutes after class to review and highlight your notes while it’s fresh in your mind. Not sure you understand everything? Ask your professor. Visit during office hours or see them after class. Professors are here to help you learn (believe it or not, we actually want you to succeed!). By studying a little each day, you are actually learning the material rather than cramming it in your mind at the last minute.

Use Your Support System

You probably have friends and brothers in your class, right? People who took the same class last semester? They took notes too. Ask them what something means if there’s a concept or formula you don’t understand (maybe you dozed off for a second during class) and let them help you understand it better. Work through problems and challenges together. Create group study hours, and help each other to learn and understand. And, in addition to your professor, you may also have a teaching assistant in your class—they’re there to help too.

Sure, college is tough. It’s not summer camp. There’s a lot to experience, and a lot to juggle to stay on top, and it’s easy to let your grades slip if you’re not careful. But the learning experience can be eye opening, rewarding, and, yes, even fun. If you follow these tips, that goal of a 4.0 is well within reach. And you’ll still have time to enjoy those recruitment events.

Ric Sweeney is an assistant professor of marketing at the University of Cincinnati and a faculty fellow and Renaissance brother with the Ohio Theta Chapter. He can be reached at ric.sweeney@uc.edu.