Advice on preparing now: run. run a lot now. run some more. do cross-fit style training. run more.
as far as 'tips' once you are there … it'll be shoved into your grape. Don't get ahead of yourself. (I just gave that advice to DD who is at STP now)
If I had advice to give:
1. Stay ahead academically. Work on assignments when given NOT just before they are due. Ask for help from your professors.
2. If you live in Virginia and have access to a rising 1st Classman see if you can get connected to a potential "Dyke' - my Dyke when I was a Rat was a miserable little scrub who did nary a thing to help me. Thankfully, his roommates were cool.
I became determined to do better when I was a 1st. During the summer prior to 1st Class Year I sought out potential Rats as Dykes and wound up with a great kid. That kid is now a full bird Colonel working at VMI.
In short - if you can, get a great 'Dyke.'
3. Keep a sense of humor. What's the worst thing they can do to you - send you to military school?
4. Don't focus on yourself. Focus on helping your BR's less capable/able.
5. Enjoy the ride. Being a Rat, in many ways, is almost as special as being a 1st Classman.
Almost.
6. You will always be a Rat. Hell .. I still am. (I s*** you not)
7. Master the following phrase: Suck. It. Up.
8. When in doubt refer to rules 6 & 7.
PS … when getting your Rat haircut be sure to ask for extra hair gel. That'll make sure you get off to a good start