Attend class each day to stay caught up, which will affect your course grade. When absent, you might miss out on extra credit announcements, a chance to ask questions and to listen to responses from classmates and teachers. Your reputation as a student is affected by your attendance. For example, if your course grade falls between an A- and B+, your teacher might give you an A- based on your stellar attendance.
Participate in class. Engage yourself in each class lecture and discussion by sitting toward the front of the classroom, making comments that show you have read and understood the course material. A teacher is more likely to round up your course grade if you're an active participator instead of a passive observer.
Review your class notes after each class. Review your class notes to help you retain material covered in class and to help from not having to cram later. You will find that your grades will improve by simply staying caught up throughout the semester.
Form a study group early on in the semester with students who have a high GPA. Work with smart students to better understand the course materials. Working with smart students will also keep you motivated to stay caught up as you develop a good academic reputation with them.
Avoid cramming. Plan your schedule to set aside time everyday for reading, studying and reviewing course materials. Cramming for a paper or a test generally means you've procrastinated all semester until the last day. When you cram, it can lead to increased stress and a struggle to retain the material you studied, beyond the test.