There's a girl at school who I think would be good girlfriend material for me. As of now I guess we're "friendly aquaintances". Like we aren't close or anything, but we're also not on bad terms. Just neutral I guess.

Fall semester starts pretty soon. So I'm wondering: Should I just work slowly and try to spend more time with her before asking her out, which will possibly increase my chances of a yes? Or should I be straight up and go for it first chance I get?

And keep in mind this girl is in my social circles, so a no could make things weird with other people I know, and that includes other girls. I want to be relatively certain before asking.

I'm also friendlyish with one of her best friends (female). Maybe I can talk to her and ask for some intel?

I really don't want to screw myself over and make things weird amongst the people I know, but I also don't want to get stuck waiting for the perfect moment which may never come.

I can has advice plz?

can't you be cool and straight forward at the same time?

it's like the post suggests,

do I be needy but show my intent?, or do I be non-needy, but hide my intent?

how about, show your intent but don't be needy

you barley know this girl and you're already thinking about girlfriending her up, meet more girls man, you have alot of practising to do, develope some experience and field test your problems

is this better, or is that better? it's subjective to who you are, anyone who gives you an answer to ''how to'' is probably giving that answer according to their situation, and it may or may not work for you

you have to field test and figure out what works for you yourself

what do ''you'' think would be better to approach this girl with, is the real question, and is your answer based on you wanting to be safe and not take a risk, or is you answer based on you actually thinking that is the best approach (basically what would you do if you have absolutely no fear, and nothing bad could happen, aka, what would you want to do, in your ideal situation)

and it's about time you tested out your theories, but obviously what you are doing right now doesn't seem very effective, so change up the game plan

I would suggest to watch for signs of disinterest. If she is not giving you signs of disinterest then you can go for it. But don't wait too long otherwise you would be stuck in the friendzone.
Be careful with this. You don't want to spark jealousy in the best friend.