OC HIGH: STUDENT NEWS AND VIEWS : OC High asks: What’s your best tip for getting better grades?

“I just do my homework in front of the television. It’s very educational. You learn two things at once.”

Elizabeth Guerrero, 16, junior, Santa Ana Valley

“Never study on the day of the test.”

Shawna McKee, 17, senior, Cypress

“Have your parents hide the TV remote control so you won’t be tempted to watch television.”

Courtney Knapp, 18, senior, Westminster

“People are always asking what mysterious, magical secret will yield to them better grades. There is no secret. All it takes is a little brain power, a little willpower and a lot of curiosity.”

Andrew Ritz, 17, senior, Capistrano Valley

“Study hard, pay attention in class and believe in yourself.”

Carolyn Caforio, 16, junior, Fountain Valley

“Take easy classes.”

Todd Koren, 17, junior, Villa Park

“During a test don’t be nervous--stay calm. Always think positive and stay (as) relaxed as possible. When you study, don’t cram everything all at once. Your brain is like a sponge; it needs time to soak in the necessary things.”

Isidro Flores, 17, senior, Saddleback

“Eat well, get lots of sleep, try not to procrastinate and stay away from the TV and phone.”

Steve Stratton, 16, junior, Los Alamitos

“If I knew, I’d be getting them.”

Melissa Brumfield, 16, junior, Orange Lutheran

“Don’t sleep.”

Angela Chang, 16, senior, Brea Olinda

“Take good notes, read them and make flash cards.”

Andrea Morales, 16, sophomore, Mission Viejo

“Do some sweet - talking.”

Alexia Kielty, 17, senior, Laguna Beach

“Organization. Keep all of your notes for certain classes all together, so that you have easy access to them for reference, research and simply studying for quizzes or tests.”

Faith Fowler, 16, junior, Western

“Don’t stress out. Too many people study until 4 a.m., then fail because they’re too tired. If somebody studies the night before a test, it should just be a short review.”

Susan Hickman, 17, senior, Valencia

“Studying and paying attention more.”

Ashley Schrimpf, 15, sophomore, Huntington Beach

“Study really hard.”

Erin Byron, 16, junior, Katella

“Catch up on sleep while at home, as opposed to during class.”

Steven Oliver, 17, junior, Los Alamitos

“Do extra credit and turn in all your work, even if it’s late. Any credit is better than no credit.”

James Reid, 18, senior, Orange Lutheran

“Apply yourself.”

Sipra Thakur, 17, junior, Canyon

“Try to get along with your teachers as best you can. So when it comes to a time when you are in a pickle, it’s easier to get out of it.”

Margaret Anderson, 17, senior, San Clemente

“The most important thing is to have your mind focused on (the material).”

Phuong Lam, 16, junior, Los Amigos

“Don’t be lazy, and work hard.”

Elisa Valenzuela, 15, sophomore, Newport Harbor

“Study with friends and in groups.”

Islean Kirker, 15, freshman, Brea Olinda

“Plan out what you’re going to study and how long. Before you study, you should outline the chapter and pick out important points.”

Melissa Vincent, 14, freshman, Rosary

“Overall, just not leaving it until the last minute for a night-before cram session. Instead, you should learn it as you go along and ask questions, because if you wait until the last minute, you won’t learn it.”

Ming Hsu, 17, junior, Irvine

“Study and keep your personal and social life out of studying and school. Keeping on track and not falling behind is the best way to go.”

Pearl Mercer, 17, senior, Western

“Pay attention to what the teacher says instead of only working out of the books.”

Katie Burnett, 16, junior, Loara

“Don’t procrastinate, and put more effort into your studying.”

Machon Dunzo, 16, junior, Saddleback

“Making flash cards for studying and being more organized.”

Kyle Biebesheimer, 14, freshman, Huntington Beach

“Pay attention in class.”

Liz Seabrook, 16, junior, Katella

“Study a little at night and the next morning; before the test, be sure to review it to refresh your memory.”

Amanda Cooper, 18, senior, Western

“Make a review sheet of your notes and memorize it.”

Heather Gorby, 17, junior, Capistrano Valley

“Try your hardest and don’t put everything off until the last minute.”

Ann Colville, 16, sophomore, Fountain Valley

“Don’t listen to how teachers tell you to study. Think of ways that will fit for you.”

Tinka Thurston, 16, junior, Trabuco Hills

“In order to get better grades, you have to be aware first of when the test is, and then plan your studying time around that. When you plan your study time, you have to take into consideration the future commitment that you have already made. Study a little bit each day. Don’t try to study everything the night before.”

Stephanie Finnegan, 18, senior, Rosary

Responses gathered by Sabrina Freidman, Canyon; Nicole Broussard, San Clemente; Robert Wenzel, Irvine; Lisa Lobo, Western; Jennifer Tobkin, Villa Park; Amy Chen, Brea Olinda; Michelle Tran, Saddleback; Dan Nieto, Mission Viejo; Craig Hammill, Laguna Beach; Amy Woo, Huntington Beach; Jeff Wang, Katella; Amber Pierce, Los Alamitos; Lauren Dunn, Orange Lutheran; Ling Lu, Valencia; Eve Winnick, Loara; Joslin Gemsch, Capistrano Valley; Tricia Michels, Fountain Valley; Samantha Wood, Trabuco Hills; Christine Monette, Rosary; Katrina Tangen, Newport Harbor; Linda Dao, Los Amigos; Jorge Gutierrez, Santa Ana Valley; Roxeanne McGraw, Cypress; Koreen Kalie, Westminster.