Mrmerlin's advice is good overall, but I would change one thing: I would NOT enroll in and finish the groundschool BEFORE flight training. Flight and Ground training are both really designed to be conducted concurrently. The concepts in Ground School will make a LOT more sense if the student is also flying.
Also, even though I did EXACTLY as he prescribes - fly twice a day every day - I did this when I was in college and between jobs (back in '85). For the average guy who works for a living, that's nigh impossible. What I suggested to my students back when I was an active flight instructor (a LONG time ago) was to fly at least 3 to 5 times per week. At that pace, the student tends to move forward rapidly.
My credentials to make such comments: twenty six years of flying, twenty two of which are as a professional. Flight Instructor at a major southern Cal airport for more than two years back in the late 80's - 1500 dual given. Airline pilot for twenty years and current Line Check Airman.
