Students increase their chance of success by being prepared for class. This means doing homework, being ready to discuss it and reviewing notes from the prior class. You should bring all necessary materials to class. Use abbreviations for frequently used words so that notes are comprehensive even if the material is covered quickly. While constant participation is not necessary for an A, you should participate enough for the teacher to know you and recognize that you are paying attention.
Successful students keep track of their work and have it well organized. Place all work in a labeled binder or notebook. Section your work so that notes, homework, tests and review information can easily be found. Be sure to have a large pocket folder for handouts that may not fit into a three-ring binder.
Keep track of assignment deadlines and avoid handing in assignments late. Submit make-up work promptly.
When you have a comprehensive assignment, do not wait until the last minute to complete it. Chunk it into smaller assignments and create a schedule with specific deadlines to complete each of them. This will give you a chance to review your work to ensure that it is of excellent quality.
If you are completing a large writing assignment, proofread it a day or so after you write it. Compare the assignment to the rubric and make sure you have completely answered all the necessary questions. Read the paper aloud so you will be more likely to catch grammatical errors.
When studying for a test, give yourself time to review and identify areas where you might have trouble. Arrange to see the teacher to review material that may be troublesome. Review notes weekly and start studying several days in advance so the material is manageable. When you actually take a test, thoroughly read the questions and make sure your answers responds to them.