The 3.5 GPA is cumulative, so plan wisely - start strong & you’ll get some wiggle room later. GPA wise, there is also a semester of probation (aka redemption - if you don’t make the 3.5, they give you another semester to raise it up). Basically although everyone wants a scholarship, you do have to earn your money with extra effort to keep your GPA high. if you think about it, it is a MERIT scholarship - you should earn above average grades to warrant the honor.
Mine was very good at time management, and lack of procrastination -that seems to be the key commonality for those with GPA’s above 3.5 no matter the major. He had three roommates along the way that also had 4.0’s - all could be found studying at odd times - ie. 7am on a Sat or Sun, between classes, before and after fun events, etc. They managed to do a bit of everything, but all were high energy, focused kids who planned things well. Attending additional study sessions is good advice & FWIW, tutoring isn’t necessarily what it sounds like - it should be renamed “test prep & tips”. Many honors kids go to tutoring, it isn’t just for those struggling.