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Anyone Can Get An A+: How To Beat Procrastination, Reduce Stress and Improve Your Grades

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Praise for this book: “I now feel a deep sense of hope that Geetanjali Mukherjee’s book can help countless children, teenagers, parents and teachers through a common sense body of work...I may be the formal academic with the letters in front of and after my name but I can never underestimate the extraordinary creative nature and abilities of people who had to graft the hard way alone to figure out how to achieve an A+...” Dr. Naoisé O’Reilly, Educationalist, Scientist and Personality Theory Researcher

Do you wish you could get better grades? Do you struggle with certain subjects and believe that maybe you're not cut out for them? Do you want to spend less time studying and still get good grades?

Maybe you think that some subjects are just not for you. Maybe you don't like to study, because you secretly believe that you just don't have what it takes, so why bother? Maybe you are a parent, worrying about your child's grades, worrying whether they will be able to qualify for the opportunities you want for them.

Studying for tests and exams can be stressful, not just for students, but also for teachers and parents. Grades in school exams and standardized tests can seem to determine your entire future, and yet many students are not able to get the grades they think they need to succeed.

This book draws on research from the fields of psychology and neuroscience, and gives you practical advice that you can implement right away, to overcome procrastination, make the most of your study time and improve your grades significantly.

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First published August 2, 2015

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About the author

Geetanjali Mukherjee

16 books26 followers
Geetanjali Mukherjee grew up in India, spending her early years in Kolkata, and then attending high school in New Delhi. She attended the University of Warwick, United Kingdom, to read law as an undergraduate. She further pursued her academic interests at Cornell University, USA, earning a Masters in Public Administration with a concentration in human rights and social justice. She is also a member of Pi Alpha Alpha, National Honor Society for Public Affairs and Administration, United States.

Geetanjali's first book, "Seamus Heaney: Select Poems", is in its 6th edition currently, published by Rama Bros. India. Geetanjali also regularly blogs about creativity and productivity at her blog Creativity@Work. Geetanjali currently lives in Singapore.

She can be contacted on Twitter, Facebook or Google+. She loves to hear from readers, so please get in touch through any of the above avenues, or send her an email: geetanjalimukherjee dot author at gmail dot com

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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
Profile Image for Saradia Chatterjee.
Author 2 books55 followers
October 23, 2015
Students face plenty of roadblocks while trying to cope with studies. They often cram up before exams or put in a lot of hard work but their scores don’t always reflect that. What they might lack is a proper guideline. They might have a flawed approach towards their studies and that needs a change. This book is the perfect go-to source for all students.

The book is loaded with suggestions for students who are looking to score better. I thought all the points made were quite relevant and very concise. Most kids don’t read beyond a few pages of study guides and ‘how-to’ books because they are either poorly written or badly edited. The book we have here is much better than the average ‘tips’ books that top the non-fiction bestseller lists. I’m convinced that no one will be bored with this book. The suggestions and tips are all effective, and importantly, they are written in a way that will interest the readers. There are some relatable examples cited in the book that will help students understand better. It isn't only about grades. The author writes about increasing focus, nourishing the mind, and in short, making the entire study process better and beneficial so that a student doesn't end up forgetting lessons soon after exams are done! I’d recommend this book to anyone who thinks that getting good grades is a huge mountain to climb. Yes, it isn’t easy, but with a plan you can get there! This book proves that. It’s a must-read for all students!
Profile Image for zaheerah.
545 reviews133 followers
March 6, 2016
~Copy provided by author in exchange for an honest review~

Anyone Can Get An A+: How To Beat Procrastination, Reduce Stress and Improve Your Grades is a self-help book aimed at college students. Mukherjee uses her own experience alongside research to create a series of tips which one can use to improve their grades and study skills.

As someone who’s currently in the middle of her A-levels, this was extremely helpful in reminding me to rethink my revision strategy. In this book, there’s various ways in which anyone can improve their study skills such as planning your study breaks, creating weekly plans and how to get something out of procrastination. This book really condenses everything teachers tell us but in a more practical and easy way to read and without going into so much detail and leaving you’re overwhelmed.

I should note that this book is very US-centric which is probably why I didn’t connect to it as much but the tips and information given still stands and Geetanjali definitely knows her stuff. It’s a helpful read that can help you reconsider revision habits, and turn them into more positive strategies.
Profile Image for Aarti Patel.
Author 6 books72 followers
October 15, 2016
I really enjoyed this book and wish I had it when I was a student. It teaches you techniques for how to do well in school, college, or a graduate program while still having a life outside of studying. I like how the author coins her own unique terms and metaphors to make you excited for learning. For example, she calls accessible learning topics "low-hanging fruit" and compares improvement in a subject to jumping levels in a video game. Clearly, learning can be fun according to this book, rather than just a chore. If you spend time doing it, Geetanjali says, you might as well make it worth your while. Being in health care, I also appreciate that she emphasizes low stress study styles over high stress and pressure-filled ones. This is a book that is caring toward what students have to go through. The author also addresses procrastination and perfectionism in a way that I've never heard done before. I'm no longer a student, but in my profession I'll forever be a student and I gained some tips from this book. Finally, the book makes the most important point that A's are not only reserved for a select few smart people, but that anyone can aim high in school and get good at learning. I recommend this book, it will save you much time and energy in school and allow learning to be enjoyable while you get good grades!
Profile Image for Natasha Murray.
Author 16 books18 followers
June 12, 2017
A Good Common Sense Guide

It has been a while since I studied or took an exam and after reading this book, I realise how pathetic my revision plan was. How I wish I had this book to help me organise myself and I think that although I may not have achieved an A+, I would definitely have passed a few more exams. I would like to think that everyone could get an A+ but think it is unlikely.

Geetanjali Mukherjee, the author, has produced a practical and enlightening guide that will help all. Each chapter are tips and are well put together, do not waffle on and can only help those that have little confidence in their ability to study and take exams. Geetanjali principles can be applied not only to studying but also to any challenge we face in life where organisation is key.

This book comes highly recommended.
Profile Image for Theta.
210 reviews4 followers
October 22, 2017
This book aims to help you to improve your grades by combating procrastination and with other study tips. As someone who describes herself as a serial procrastinator in all aspects, I could not wait to pick up this book and read some of the tips. 

The book is mostly aimed at students and people who are studying, and offers numerous tips and advice to reducing stress relating to school, using the author's own personal experiences. 

I wish I had this book when I was studying. There are so many useful tips that I wish I had known when revising, as I usually just read through my notes and it stressed me out. There are some tips that I have applied to my life now, such as using a note app, and I took the author's advice and started using Evernote, which is good! 

I took a special interest in the procrastination section, and I have used some of the advice, such as procrastinating by doing something useful, and it has really helped me to do some things sooner, instead of doing what I would usually do and leave it all to the last minute.

Thank you to the author for the complimentary ebook copy.
Profile Image for Aurelia McNeil.
Author 5 books3 followers
November 16, 2015
Especially aimed at college students, Anyone Can Get An A+, draws on both research studies and the author's personal experience. Included are over thirty tips to improve one's grades and study skills. The author, Geetanjali Mukherjee, has chronicled her own past successes and failures, analyzed techniques that worked, and supported these strategies with research such as that of Carol Dweck and Charles Duhigg. Geetanjali has earned a bachelor's degree in English, attended law school, earned a masters degree and learned three languages. It was not always easy for her, though. She learned how unproductive it was to compare herself with others. Instead, she replaced these negative habits with positive strategies.

In this book, Geetanjali shares how she create a weekly plan, harnessed the "productive power" of procrastination, organized papers before writing them, exercised to unleash creativity, used breaks to motivate herself and much more. She also forewarns the reader against unproductive pseudo-work.

This book is easy to read and well-formatted. Motivating tips such as 'even a learning disorder cannot stop us from success, if we choose not to let it.' are included. Therefore, the text is not only practical but persuading.

Geetanjali explains why it is a good idea to go to sleep within a few hours of learning a new skill, why multitasking doesn't work, and why it is better to write a list of priorities rather than keep them in your head. Further, she explains the single most important thing to do in class for academic success.
I highly recommend Anyone Can Get an A+ to every college student and any secondary student thinking about higher education.

My favorite quote: 'It doesn't matter how smart you are, but how much you are willing to learn . . . Everyone can grow their abilities if they choose to put in the effort.' -Geetanjali Mukherjee

To have your book reviewed or to read more reviews, visit http://www.McNeilsReviews.com
Profile Image for Rian Nejar.
Author 1 book34 followers
June 13, 2016
A detailed, structured guide to better time and learning management.

Geetanjali Mukherjee provides copious useful information and instruction in her guide to improving exam grades. Building upon her personal experience in exams based curricula, she crafts a helpful study guide for students of all levels of capability. She writes to the doubts and confusion students may go through.

I couldn't escape a feeling that much of what Ms. Mukherjee writes is - common sense. Perhaps this has something to do with my own educational experiences. I've never had to work hard for any examinations, standardized or otherwise. But I haven't been a topper either, always hanging around in the top group, barely making my (lucky?) entrance into such hallowed clubs. Good time management, good habits, generally, and an inner individual motivation to really learn. Good food habits too - and no one had to tell me!

I've always done well in subjects where I've loved my teachers. I think this aspect - that there aren't any bad students, only bad teachers - is missed in the book. But the book is for the typical student, not the carefree philosopher.

A comparison between educational systems - such as the Finnish vs. the American vs. the Indian - can add much value too. Children in Finland are known to do very little homework. They spend about 20 hours per week in classes, and much more in broad life skills education outside of classes. Children in Montessori educational systems similarly learn a lot more hands-on, at a pace suited to themselves, and excel at learning what they discover as their aptitude.

It shouldn't be just about getting A-pluses, should it?

An easy-to-read book that diligent teenagers and parents may well enjoy.




Profile Image for Barbara Gipson.
Author 2 books11 followers
October 4, 2016
The first half of Anyone Can Get An A+ explains the dynamics of learning by splitting it into two categories: growth mindset, believing that you can improve, and fixed mindset believing that you are stuck with what you have.

In thirty-nine steps, Anyone Can Get An A+: How to Beat Procrastination, Reduce Stress and Improve Your Grades sets down a UNIQUE and strong foundation for your child to change from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset by developing skills and adapting positive abilities for learning while still participating in your regular activities and getting plenty of rest.. One the steps presented is Interleaving, which is spending time learning one thing, taking a break and moving on to something else. This process gives you a chance to learn more rather than spending lots of time on something you’re having problems with.

Three skills that I would love to have and that I think would be beneficial for any student are:
Clunking – Breaking what you have learned down into smaller parts, mastering them and then putting them all together), deliberate practice;
Deliberate Practice – Practicing a skill repeatedly, fixing any errors, and getting feedback; and,
Mapping – When this skill was presented in Anyone Can Get An A+: How to Beat Procrastination, Reduce Stress and Improve Your Grades, I pictured a history class. where I made a map placing each battle in the order it was fought. What a great way to learn dates.
Profile Image for Sarah Jackson.
Author 19 books27 followers
March 30, 2016
Are you a student struggling to understand your classes? Are you having trouble getting down to business? Or are you just having a good old-fashioned panic about the whole study situation. If so then, Geetanjali Mukherjee’s study guide “Anyone can get an A+: How to Beat Procrastination, Reduce Stress and Improve Your Grades” could be the one for you. In this informative and practical book, the author describes her many experiences as a student, both positive and negative, emphasising the importance of an holistic approach to study, covering managing for your physical and mental health, setting achievable goals, and of course techniques for optimal learning. The author offers a range of ideas, exercises and proven, practical solutions to study issues for senior secondary and college/tertiary students.

Practical and sound advice presented in a caring supportive manner.
Profile Image for Prasanna.
83 reviews18 followers
April 2, 2016
Apart from these secondary or supporting but essential lifestyle habits, the author also discusses various ways you can organize your time and follow a well designed plan. From how to avoid procrastination, to finding out what is hurting them most, the author answers most of the students’ questions and guides them with information to tackle these problems. ~ http://bookreviews.infoversant.com/an...
1 review
April 26, 2016
I read this book recently and think it totally captures so many of the struggles I faced in college and high school. I so wish I could have read this earlier, would have totally helped with my fear of math and science in school. I recommend for anyone struggling with difficult subjects, wanting to improve their grades, or just want to learn some tips to do better in college or school. I will definitely be using the tips here to study for the GMAT!
Profile Image for Jack Anderson.
Author 4 books1 follower
September 8, 2016
This is a solid guide that will teach any student to get better grades. I like the author's advice that hard work trumps intelligence. She encourages students to systematically work through difficult problems so that they can master even their weakest subjects. This book can be used as a reference throughout the student's college career. Some of these tips can benefit anyone even those who have begun careers.
Profile Image for SerialReader.
253 reviews38 followers
August 2, 2016
Inspiring and honest. That's what I like about this book.
Geetanjali Mukherjee is not selling you the magic pill but strategies that work!

Read more on The Serial Reader Blog.


*This book was kindly sent to me by the author Geetanjali Mukherjee in exchange for an honest review*
Profile Image for Kazandra Grey.
122 reviews3 followers
July 4, 2017
- She regularly refers to Cal Newport, which made it difficult not to compare with this one. The only study/college book I have ever put into practice is "How to Be a Straight A Student". Definitely recommend that one over this.

- I felt I've already read her tips on multiple articles, podcasts, videos, and tumblr posts. There was nothing particularly special about it.

- This is great for someone who has absolutely no organizational system, constantly pulls all-nighters, and has little awareness of what junk food and lack of sleep can do to your mental abilities. This isn't for someone who has most things figured out but is just looking for different techniques to try that might be better.
117 reviews5 followers
February 14, 2017
Geetanjali Mukherjee's 'Anyone Can Get An A+…', is based on her personal experience and also draws on well-explained research studies with practical tips to improve one's grades and study skills. A well-written book, easy to read and well-formatted, it is aimed at college students to improve their academic scores. It also explains the advantages of adequate rest, of avoiding multi tasking, and for keeping lists (to keep you from listing). What I would now like to see is the same matter given in simpler form, possibly with bullet points (for those who hate to read but can manage Twitter-size bites).
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews

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