Here are my tips:
http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-life/1920853-college-is-a-step-up-from-hs-16-tips-on-doing-well-in-college.html
Analyze what you got wrong on a test.
Is it because you never saw the material at all?
Is it that you could recognize it, but not recall it?
Is it because you did “basic” problems, but not those at the boundary conditions (e.g., if x=0 or x=infinity)
Is it because you did simple problems but not ones that make you synthesize information from more than one area?
Is it simple math mistakes?
Is it speed?
Is it that you are not doing enough different practice problems? So maybe in physics you did HW problems where you start at the ground, not moving, but on the test you are in the air or are already moving. Get books of practice problems.
Is it that you did the minimal reading but did not do any of the recommended reading?
Is it that you are having a hard time translating word problems into equations?
Does your college have a studying center? Writing center? make use of those.
I agree to get that book!
Next year, let us say you are taking physics and you get a C on the first test.
Figure out what the issue is from the list above.
Go to the professors office hours and say “How do successful students study for this class?”
Or if you have to write a paper, ask your professor if you can rewrite it again (even if not for a grade) so that you can learn what a B or an A paper is.
Get a tutor first thing for your harder classes and work with them.