First of all, marry a great, supportive guy (hopefully you've done this already!).
Then, make sure you are very flexible
.
Make sure your kids have a consistent bedtime and schedule. I always studied after 8 once my kids had gone to bed, and since they were used to going to bed then, it wasn't a problem at all. Some moms I know would get up at 4 am to study-not my style at all but it worked for them!
If at all possible, hire someone to clean at least every other week, so the pressure for deep cleaning is off of you. I'm still trying to figure out how to get someone to do the laundry for me...oh well...
1st and 2nd years are easier in the sense that they are more predictable. I wasn't one of those people who had to study alot (I didn't need to to pass, and I wasn't trying to get the highest score every time). Be efficient in how you study, too. Join a study group, if that helps you (but if it doesn't, it's not worth the extra time).
If your husband doesn't cook, buy lots of frozen meals, and plan meals ahead of time (I plan a week of meals at a time, and grocery shop once a week when I can. I have enough frozen stuff to make up an extra week. Don't forget kid lunches too-I do rely on Lunchables sometimes-I don't like giving them too much junk, but convenience foods can be a real friend).
Once your kids are schoolaged, those rolling plastic drawers are great for organizing homework and papers. Teaching them to organize helps keep the clutter down (I wish I'd done that
).
Third year is tough because the hours are long, and less predictable. If your kids are really young, you may want to think about a nanny. My husband has to get the kids to school, and pick them up. There's also less wiggle room for illness, etc. Think ahead about what you'll do if one of the kids (or your nanny) is sick-some daycares have sick care; or enlist a neighbor/relative as an emergency option.
Make sure you make some time for you and your husband to go out alone (so he doesn't forget who you are!). Try to plan vacations with the family-I was able to take vacation during winter school break so we can go skiing (this was harder in the first 2 years since the break dates were set).
Make special time to spend with each kid, no matter how crazy things get.
Sorry this is so long-if you have other questions you can pm me.
good luck!