There is no magical solution for doing well in school - in reality it takes hard work, dedication and some genuine interest. However, with the advice of three exceptional students it is possible to make some enchantment of your own this year at school.

Emily Ross, 18, ranked among the world's best when she received a perfect score in her International Baccalaureate exams.

With her the key to success was staying calm and keeping a healthy balance between work and play.

"I think definitely in my last two years of school I started to put things in perspective and gain a balance between my personal and academic life," she said.

"I think it is important to put aside time to go out with your friends and to have fun, rather than to have your nose in books all the time, because if you're stressed out you're not going to do as well.

"If you have a relaxed state of mind you are going to do better in school."

Miss Ross, a graduate of Bermuda High School, admits the huge work load for the IB programme posed a challenge; there were even times when she doubted her head could take in any more information. Still, she was interested in all of her subjects - from Spanish to History, which made the difference in the end.

"If you're studying something you are interested in you're going to do better in that class," she said.

"I've done a lot of teaching myself and from my experience students who are interested in a class excel more because they are more enthusiastic, they participate more and are generally more involved in the class, so they get more out of it."

Miss Ross, who is planning to take a gap year and teach English to children in Peru, Argentina and Africa, told The Royal Gazette: "I get a kick out of seeing people understand something that I have helped them to learn. I like seeing that moment when they say 'oh I get it'".

The 18-year-old, who is currently a summer student at the Bank of Bermuda and working as a barista at Common Ground on the weekends, admits she is interested in a multitude of careers, including teaching, translating and interpreting, or something within court services.

"I'd like to try different careers and the one that I enjoy the most I will continue with that - I don't want to get stuck in one career path."

Miss Ross believes that her biggest problem throughout high school was staying organised and advises others to avoid making the same mistake.

"The biggest thing I can say is don't procrastinate — get things done.

"When I had homework I would do it straight after school, so after that I would have time to watch TV, go on Facebook or go out with friends."

Fourteen-year-old Bryson Doers, has also found a way to excel in the classroom. On top of getting A's and B's in all his subjects and being on honour role, he also plays the drums, piano and violin.

The talented CedarBridge student says subjects like math and business come easily to him, however he still needs to apply himself by listening, taking notes; and studying and encourages others to do the same.

Mr. Doers understands the importance of a good education and told The Royal Gazette that he is ahead of the game.

"By the time I do get to the end of my schooling I don't have to rush to get up the grades, community points and hours like most people do."

He said: "It looks good on a record if you want to apply to a good college or a good job. You also get into better classes if you have good grades. You can get a better job and be successful.

He urges his peers to "start studying and going to classes before it's too late. Because it will be hard trying to repeat high school," he said, adding: "If you keep slacking you won't be able to succeed in life."

The teenager, who plans to be a lawyer, accountant or actuary after graduation, admits his parents have played an important role in his education. "My parents do encourage me and so I apply myself more than most students," he said.

Mr. Doers has been playing musical instruments since the tender age of five and recently took part in a drum camp in New York with Eddie Ming. While there he got to experiment with African, Cuban and Brazilian music the Collective School of Music.

As the summer comes to an end for students, Mr. Doers admits he is looking forward to starting school again and excited to get involved with the music programs offered.

He said: "I'm excited because I'll be able to get better in music and learn how to play different instruments that I didn't do before. I want to start a band, any type of band — I already started one in Middle School."

Mica Murray, 17, is a student at Berkeley Institute who takes responsibility to a whole new level. In addition to being a prefect at her school, and volunteering in the community, she is also heavily involved within the church.

She says she is able to do so much with so little time because of good time management skills, and a little help.

"I have to manage my time," she explains. "Most times my mom helps me to categorise what's the most important and what's the least important and from there we complete each task."

Miss Murray thrives in subjects such as business, computer science and math and admits that she enjoys school.

"There is always something new to learn in school — no two days alike, so it's always fun to see what's in store for the next day."

"Sometimes I feel pressure, but that's always a part of life feeling pressure. Sometimes it motivates me," she added.

Miss Murray encourages students to stop comparing themselves with others, and "do the best that you can and that's all that matters."

When it comes to studying and doing homework she recommends that each student find a place and time that works best for them. "I do things differently — sometimes I like to work in loud places — I like to work in noise or confusion, other times I like to work in clean and tidy places when no one is home.

"Just find a place and method that works best for you," she says, whether that be in a library or with your I-pod.

In addition to academic success, she has volunteered with Youth News and at Matilda Smith Senior Residence. She said of the experience: "It makes me feel good that I am helping someone else feel good — with everything."

The young achiever thanks her parents, teachers and principal for their guidance and sends a special thanks to Ms Robinson, the principal at BHS, who encouraged her when she felt like she couldn't make it and kept telling her she "was destined for great things."

She admits their support has been a key factor to her success and said: "If I am getting ready to fall they will always come and tell me I need to keep working harder and don't stop."

Miss Murray plans to pursue a career in communications, but for now will "just continue helping within my community — finish high school and college and becoming a productive member of society."