If you are a 7 looking for a solid 9, take that advice from a Frenchman

American's simply don't get the art of courtship. It isn't simply "a waste of time" as some see it, or "an outdated model" as others consider this peculiar art. Courtship, to put it into jargon that even the most culturally-ignorant dude will understand, is to get a solid 9 or 9.5 when you are nothing more than a basic 7.
Women, the ones you dream of but wouldn't dare to ask out, have no interest for a 7. None whatsoever. Forget about the girl next door, it is as much an Urban Legend as Diet Coke. It doesn't exist/doesn't work. If you want to shoot for a 9, for that really, really hot and smart and funny and sophisticated girl, you'll have to create an interest. And you'll most certainly have to start from scratch: it will take time and a tremendous amount of effort and creativity. Because let's be honest, she's not only way better looking than you are (i.e. she's two points higher on the hottness scale), but she also got tons of offers for dates - and turns them down in 95% of cases.

To increase your chances, you'll have to engage in subtle seduction. And please, the emphasis here is on "subtle". No "baby you are so hot tonight" (she knows that) or "I'm your man" (she knows it's just not that). You'll have to draw back on the good old clichés, from small attentions to bigger ones. It's all about showing her that you are really into her, that she's got all your attention, nothing less, and that you are willing to go to hell and back just to get a shot at her. It's all about creating a sparkle of interest, a certain "hmm, that guy must have something others don't". If you don't prove her she's worth your time and efforts, she'll turn you down in a second. And, as my grand'pa proudly did when he courted my grand'ma: you'll have her only by wearing her defenses down, little by little. That's how a seven shoots for an eleven.