Well it's a little off beat, but here's what I think got me to succeed (studied physics, 3.73 gpa):

Don't take notes in class. Focus on what the teacher is saying, stay with the logic. It will be better in the long run to really understand the teacher while the lecture is happening, ask questions if you need to, and then maybe jot down a few things after the lecture.

Make friends with the other smart kids in class. I sat front and center, so the people near me were usually good candidates. After the first exam ask those around you how they did. Anyone who got better than me became my study buddy for that class. It helps if that person also likes beer.

Do homework more than once. The first time is just like a rough draft. Do the homework until the answers are dripping from your pencil, and you're hand just can't move as fast as your brain is working. Going into a test like this is the only way to finish all the questions and leave time for checking your work or to give proper thought to the "separates the men from the boys" question. Anyone can get an A-, but you want the A.

I took early classes, worked in the late morning, slept in the early afternoon, and studied into the night. It's not the best schedule, but since I commuted I tried to spend as much time on campus as possible. (I stayed over night studying at least once a week, but I wouldn't do that as a returning student.)

I don't know about geology, but in my major definitions or anything else to be memorized is only the first step. I never wasted time making flash cards or other memory devices. The facts you need to know must be in your working brain, so maybe make a cheat sheet. Do the homework with it once. Do it again only looking if necessary, and keep doing it until you don't need the cheat sheet anymore. Teachers that let you use notes on tests design tests that notes will be a hindrance not a help. Use this same method to study. Let your notes only be secondary to your mind.