Popularity? how can i?

so next year i'm going into 8th grade. its my last year in middle school and i want to make the best of it. i haven't been really popular my entire school life. so in 8th grade i want to be. i have friends that are sort of in the "popular" zone. they are like my best friends so that's good. maybe if i change my image? any ideas? i do really good in school and i have been called a loser because of it. i know it sounds pathetic but people are extremely immature. i want to maintain my good grade but at the same time become popular and fit in. i have also been made fun of from some personal experiences. i don't think that's help my popularity. please help! that would mean so so so so so much to me! thank you! <3