A 1958 issue of the College World had this advice to offer.

HOW TO STAY IN COLLEGE:
1. Bring the professor newspaper clippings dealing with his subject.
2. Look alert. Take notes eagerly.
3. Nod frequently and murmur, "How true."
4. Sit in the front near him.
5. Laugh at his jokes.
6. Ask for outside reading.
7. If you must sleep, arrange to be called on at the end of the hour.
8. Be sure the book you read during lecture looks like a book from the course.
9. Ask questions you think he can answer.
10. Call attention to his writing.