Here's my advice

1) Give the professor every opportunity to give you a good grade: This means show up for class every day, take notes, act interested, ask relevant questions, participate in discussions.

2) Turn in ALL homework, done to the best of your ability: This means write neatly, if it's math or other handwritten stuff. Use complete sentences like an intelligent person would.

3) Follow directions on assignments: Read them twice! If it says 6 pages, don't turn in 5. Or 4. If it says staple, do it! If it says number them, or MLA format, or cover sheet, do it. These are the easy points, kids! (Hey, I get two points out of ten on math homework just for putting my name at the top!)

4) Analyze the writing assignment before you start: What did the prof say/write about it? Is it an opinion piece? A research problem? A documented argument? Start on it early and rewrite it a couple of times before you turn it in. Have someone else read it for clarity.

5) Come to class prepared: Read over the notes from last class. Do the assigned reading. In my Latin America class Friday discussion sessions, if you hadn't read the assignment you were asked to leave! And there was a short quiz nearly every Friday on Monday and Wednesday's lectures. Kept us honest. Loved it.

6) Show enthusiasm: It doesn't take much effort, and it will make you feel more positive about yourself and your life.

7) Do all extra credit assignments: Even if you think you're getting an A, do the extra credit and give the prof no excuse not to give you a good grade!

8) Learn something about each professor: Is he from Brazil? Does she like cats? They're people, too, and deserve to be treated like it. Try to see things from their perspective once in a while. And it doesn't hurt that they're more likely to remember you at grade time in a positive light if you've treated them like real people. Could make the difference between an 89 or a 90. Big difference. Plus they might just give you extra insight into the subject matter. It's your education; reach out and TAKE it.

I saw too many kids this year sitting back and expecting their "education" to be served to them on a platter. They didn't participate in discussions, they hadn't done the reading, they asked for extensions on assignments. And that's if they showed up in class at all!