Admissions

I don't want to say admissions is super lax, but admissions is pretty lax. You will probably get in if you fill out an application. The people in admissions are really helpful, so if you're worried then give them a call; set up an interview or just tell them what you're worried about. If you don't look good on paper (grades, tests) but are still a swell kid, talk to admissions and they'll be great.

Don't do anything you would not do in your normal life while visiting. There is a line between being a nice and helpful host and jack-ass.

Go to the school with an open mind about everything. Do not go through with the intentions of seeing a specific or certain thing.

As a freshman student, I have a lot of friends who were assigned to work such tough jobs as cafeteria staff (long shifts, and a difficult boss) and landscaping (early morning hours). Everybody has a job on campus working fifteen hours a week, so be prepared for that.

Apply for as many scholarships as possible and get into as much service as possible. Also get into extracurricular activities and stay on top of your classes. I would also suggest taking classes you are good at already to start out.

Try as many different things as you can. There are over a hundred crews to try, hundreds of different service projects, and classes you never believed could count towards a major.
Explore. There are 1,100 acres on campus. Each one holds something different, something valuable, something you will need.
Make friends with your professors and your work crew bosses. Not only is it really easy, it's also a good connection to have (names on your resume or even just someone to go to for advice).

My tips would be to be open to new experiences, cultures, and people.