I have heard that keeping a high GPA and not being daunted by the advanced engineering courses is very difficult

Hi Alaura!!

I can definitely relate to your situation, I was also a straight A student in high school without too much effort. However, you are already ahead of me by realizing NOW that college is going to be a big change from high school - I didn't understand the gravity of the change until I was already a semester in. With a heavy heart I had to admit defeat in my first calculus class because I was just getting too far behind, I withdrew and retook it my second semester. By this point I started to realize that college is not only a financial investment but a time investment. I really had to devote time to my studies which was a somewhat foreign concept considering the lack of time I devoted to high school. 

I encourage you to push through and not be discouraged by less than straight A's in college. Engineering is difficult, but an employer never requires straight A's. Remember that education is just a series of steps. The end goal of Aerospace Engineer may sound difficult (and impressive!), but each class will build on the next and if you realize the time investment early I have no doubt you will reach your goal!! Good luck, can't wait to work with you someday!