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How I Topped Boards and You Can Too!
If this book has found its way into your hands, chances are your boards are lurking on the horizon and you want to do well*.
So how does one go about topping the boards--exams that can determine where your life's headed, your college, your first job...may be even your first crush?
Fortunately, the secret isn't to ' study till you're a sleep-deprived zombie '.
Unfortunately, it also isn't ' mum fed me steroids/dad taught me to cheat '.
The secret recipe? Connecting the dots. You don't need to be a prodigy studying twenty-four hours a day to ace an exam--you just need to work smart. How I Topped the Boards and You Can Too! shares the methods that helped Gaurav top in his board exams, so that you too can best prepare for the most important exams of your life.
*(or the author's coerced you into picking up a copy)
So how does one go about topping the boards--exams that can determine where your life's headed, your college, your first job...may be even your first crush?
Fortunately, the secret isn't to ' study till you're a sleep-deprived zombie '.
Unfortunately, it also isn't ' mum fed me steroids/dad taught me to cheat '.
The secret recipe? Connecting the dots. You don't need to be a prodigy studying twenty-four hours a day to ace an exam--you just need to work smart. How I Topped the Boards and You Can Too! shares the methods that helped Gaurav top in his board exams, so that you too can best prepare for the most important exams of your life.
*(or the author's coerced you into picking up a copy)
217 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 10, 2019
7 people are currently reading
46 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
March 12, 2019
Exams are one hell of a nightmare for all of us. They get the better of us as the anxiety of results grips us even before giving the exam. And when it comes to the crucial Board Examinations, things just gain more weight. The gravity of the situation becomes overwhelming and we are confused and afraid as to what should be our next step. The author with his debut book comes to our rescue and I am happy to say that he succeeds in fulfilling his purpose behind writing it.
The book begins with the author sharing the journey of his life and how an average student went up to become the topper. He chronicles his journey pretty candidly and urges his readers and prospective board takers to be at ease at the thought of giving exams. The way he expresses the importance of board examinations is wonderful. I could feel its vitality and the role it actually plays in determining the course of our lives. There is no shortcut to success and so is proven true by the story of our author who presents simple and effective ways to master consistency in our preparation. Because whatever may be the odds, hard work and consistency always pay off well. The book begins with how to schedule your preparation and set the reminders so that nothing misses out. Throughout the book, you’ll find tidbits of motivation which seem to resonate with the flow of the book. I wouldn’t reveal the contents because they form the crux of this self-help book that would appear simple but covers all the aspects with ease and finesse. There are illustrations, anecdotes from the author’s life which one would find relatable. At places, he adopted the explanation through bullets approach which made the entire presentation easy to absorb. Also, the illustrations here and there are friendly and make it simpler for us to grasp the content and relate to it. And it is not just the days before the exams he talk about but also the D-day of the exam that occupies a part of the book. There is no beating around the bush or verbosity but simple tricks to meander your way through the maze of board exams. The author points out the problem and then provides the solution as well. In all, the book covers everything right from the strategizing to the execution and then sitting back to indulge yourself with the PlayStation. The language is easy and the narrative is pretty much engaging.
If you are a student about to start preparing for board or for that matter any exam, give this book a shot. I have loved its organization and the way it establishes a connection with its readers. I just missed knowing about a few things to which the author refers to for creating a fun factor in the book. But in all, one would enjoy reading this book!
The book begins with the author sharing the journey of his life and how an average student went up to become the topper. He chronicles his journey pretty candidly and urges his readers and prospective board takers to be at ease at the thought of giving exams. The way he expresses the importance of board examinations is wonderful. I could feel its vitality and the role it actually plays in determining the course of our lives. There is no shortcut to success and so is proven true by the story of our author who presents simple and effective ways to master consistency in our preparation. Because whatever may be the odds, hard work and consistency always pay off well. The book begins with how to schedule your preparation and set the reminders so that nothing misses out. Throughout the book, you’ll find tidbits of motivation which seem to resonate with the flow of the book. I wouldn’t reveal the contents because they form the crux of this self-help book that would appear simple but covers all the aspects with ease and finesse. There are illustrations, anecdotes from the author’s life which one would find relatable. At places, he adopted the explanation through bullets approach which made the entire presentation easy to absorb. Also, the illustrations here and there are friendly and make it simpler for us to grasp the content and relate to it. And it is not just the days before the exams he talk about but also the D-day of the exam that occupies a part of the book. There is no beating around the bush or verbosity but simple tricks to meander your way through the maze of board exams. The author points out the problem and then provides the solution as well. In all, the book covers everything right from the strategizing to the execution and then sitting back to indulge yourself with the PlayStation. The language is easy and the narrative is pretty much engaging.
If you are a student about to start preparing for board or for that matter any exam, give this book a shot. I have loved its organization and the way it establishes a connection with its readers. I just missed knowing about a few things to which the author refers to for creating a fun factor in the book. But in all, one would enjoy reading this book!
March 16, 2019
AUTHOR - GAURAV SOOD
PUBLISHED BY - RUPA PUBLICATIONS
BOOK LENGTH - 208 PAGES
Gaurav graduated from The Doon School as the all-india ISC Board examination topper, securing 99 percent - the highest marks in India's history
So how did he do it?
Almost everyone was curious to know this.
This book has answers to all those questions that you might want to know from a topper
When you read the title, the first impression that you get is of - a class prodigy boasting in the book! But no, the content is completely different and honest!
In this book the Author has provided the reader with a very valuable information about studying and some interesting techniques to make it easier!
He honestly accepts that he was no genuis or a class prodigy but just a bright kid who scored well. He also shares about his situation when he was announced as a topper on NDTV. He hadn't expected that at all!
This book is like a whole new journey that you'll get to know about. It has fun solutions, strategies, methods, suggestions and techniques to score better and excellently!
Author has started right from the scratch about his study routine and it's inspiring for a student.
He has shared about his study routine, reading time, eating habits and what he did to refresh his mind in order to score well. Basically he has proved a simple thing - you don't need be a genius or a sleep deprived person who studies for long hours! You need not be the smartest one. You just need to be able to connect the dots - a simple Steve Jobs concept. Wondering about how to do it? This book will show you how to achieve it by scientifically proven techniques and practical examples. This book has pro tips to give your best in the exams. I am so glad that the Author decided to share his experience and success secrets through this book. It would be very helpful for the students to score well. It is a selfless initiative and I must praise the Author for that
Each and every student will surely find it helpful
PUBLISHED BY - RUPA PUBLICATIONS
BOOK LENGTH - 208 PAGES
Gaurav graduated from The Doon School as the all-india ISC Board examination topper, securing 99 percent - the highest marks in India's history
So how did he do it?
Almost everyone was curious to know this.
This book has answers to all those questions that you might want to know from a topper
When you read the title, the first impression that you get is of - a class prodigy boasting in the book! But no, the content is completely different and honest!
In this book the Author has provided the reader with a very valuable information about studying and some interesting techniques to make it easier!
He honestly accepts that he was no genuis or a class prodigy but just a bright kid who scored well. He also shares about his situation when he was announced as a topper on NDTV. He hadn't expected that at all!
This book is like a whole new journey that you'll get to know about. It has fun solutions, strategies, methods, suggestions and techniques to score better and excellently!
Author has started right from the scratch about his study routine and it's inspiring for a student.
He has shared about his study routine, reading time, eating habits and what he did to refresh his mind in order to score well. Basically he has proved a simple thing - you don't need be a genius or a sleep deprived person who studies for long hours! You need not be the smartest one. You just need to be able to connect the dots - a simple Steve Jobs concept. Wondering about how to do it? This book will show you how to achieve it by scientifically proven techniques and practical examples. This book has pro tips to give your best in the exams. I am so glad that the Author decided to share his experience and success secrets through this book. It would be very helpful for the students to score well. It is a selfless initiative and I must praise the Author for that
Each and every student will surely find it helpful
March 2, 2019
💕How I Topped The Boards And You Can Too! By Gaurav Sood💕
💕Genre: Self-help
💕Publisher: Rupa
.
Introduction: So how does one go about topping the boards—exams that can determine where your life’s headed, your college, your first job…maybe even your first crush? Fortunately, the secret isn’t ‘study till you’re a sleep-deprived zombie’.
.
My Opinion: We all live in a world where grades matter a alot, even if a person is judged by his/her grades- which is wrong but it's our tendency that couldn't be changed. Here comes Gaurav- The 12th topper with his book where he shares the secrets of being a topper. Now, we all know that a topper never shares his own secret because no one wants anyone to cross their own way to go ahead, but the author being a topper himself shares his journey of being a topper in this book & how he a achieved such a big milestone. Exams are almost here & each & every student is worried about them, not for them, actually for grades. So, here comes a book which is really short & you can pick this up to give yourself some topper tips & apply them seriously in order to score good. This book is also for parents who can read & ask their kids to apply it in their life. The cover is appropriate & so is the title.
.
Pros: The book is a different kinda self help book & doesn't fall in the typical category. While reading I could relate so much because I myself practice it. The language is super easy. Book is divided according to exam stages which is really good. This is particularly for students & parents & is really helpful. I do recommend it.
Cons: No such cons, yet some humour was welcomed. I really loved it though.
.
Rating: 3.7🌟
💕Genre: Self-help
💕Publisher: Rupa
.
Introduction: So how does one go about topping the boards—exams that can determine where your life’s headed, your college, your first job…maybe even your first crush? Fortunately, the secret isn’t ‘study till you’re a sleep-deprived zombie’.
.
My Opinion: We all live in a world where grades matter a alot, even if a person is judged by his/her grades- which is wrong but it's our tendency that couldn't be changed. Here comes Gaurav- The 12th topper with his book where he shares the secrets of being a topper. Now, we all know that a topper never shares his own secret because no one wants anyone to cross their own way to go ahead, but the author being a topper himself shares his journey of being a topper in this book & how he a achieved such a big milestone. Exams are almost here & each & every student is worried about them, not for them, actually for grades. So, here comes a book which is really short & you can pick this up to give yourself some topper tips & apply them seriously in order to score good. This book is also for parents who can read & ask their kids to apply it in their life. The cover is appropriate & so is the title.
.
Pros: The book is a different kinda self help book & doesn't fall in the typical category. While reading I could relate so much because I myself practice it. The language is super easy. Book is divided according to exam stages which is really good. This is particularly for students & parents & is really helpful. I do recommend it.
Cons: No such cons, yet some humour was welcomed. I really loved it though.
.
Rating: 3.7🌟
March 16, 2019
Exams are always tough to deal with. You become more anxious at this time, your memory becomes weaker and text books overtake your life. And when the exams we're talking about are the boards, the panic attacks are doubled. But, if you have a guide to assist you with techniques to not only clear but top these exams, will you be anymore anxious? Well, this book right here does the exact same thing.
The book starts off with the author sharing the journey of his life and how he became a topper. The book continues as the author writes about every strategy one could employ to excel in Board exam. The book includes everything, from how, when and where to study, to the methods to be used while studying. I won't reveal much about the content, as few words are not enough to describe the information given in the book. But, one thing I can assure you that with your readiness to follow the strategies given in the book, you will surely clear the exam with flying colors.
Read full review on my blog.
https://liveitqueensize.wordpress.com...
The book starts off with the author sharing the journey of his life and how he became a topper. The book continues as the author writes about every strategy one could employ to excel in Board exam. The book includes everything, from how, when and where to study, to the methods to be used while studying. I won't reveal much about the content, as few words are not enough to describe the information given in the book. But, one thing I can assure you that with your readiness to follow the strategies given in the book, you will surely clear the exam with flying colors.
Read full review on my blog.
https://liveitqueensize.wordpress.com...
June 17, 2024
In today’s era every information is just a click away for us, including the secret to top the board exams. I wish, we had such good books during our time too. We all know the importance of smart work, but what we don’t know is the method to connect the dots. The author does a brilliant work in connecting the dots. He tells us the plan and the way to execute it as well in a smart way. He is not just giving advice but making it actionable for students too.
I really liked the cartoons in between and the tables given to make the topic concise and easy to understand. He really knows how to gage attention and embed the important things in the mind of his reader. His language is simple and light. Every quote at the end of each chapter is worth putting up on your study table.
He insists on making notes and revisiting it. He also insists on breaking patterns of revisions and challenging yourself by solving question papers, which is something new for me (breaking the pattern of revision) and seems logical. He also introduces flash cards, apps & memory games to the reader that highlights the inclusion of new techniques in modern day learning.
I, however disagree with him on one thing. He emphasis on the importance of board exams in India and that is the reason he wrote this book too, but I believe they are not. Yes, they decide which college you get into but, they don't really determine your future. You may lag behind others for the time being because of your poor grades in boards & it may take some more years as compared to the Toppers, but if you are good at what you do, nothing can stop you.
I also think he went ahead a bit too much with where to study, when to study & what to eat. Not everybody can take these things into considerations in a country like India. It will be different for different kids and might not be taken well by everyone.
Last few chapters are the best ones. They tell us how to deal with the paper pressure and sail through it smoothly. Overall, 4 out of 5 for this book from me. Happy reading guys. Read this book and make sure kids read it too, well before their board exams. At least a year before.
PS-I have written this review for someone else and never posted on my profile. Now Compiling all the reviews on my personal page.
I really liked the cartoons in between and the tables given to make the topic concise and easy to understand. He really knows how to gage attention and embed the important things in the mind of his reader. His language is simple and light. Every quote at the end of each chapter is worth putting up on your study table.
He insists on making notes and revisiting it. He also insists on breaking patterns of revisions and challenging yourself by solving question papers, which is something new for me (breaking the pattern of revision) and seems logical. He also introduces flash cards, apps & memory games to the reader that highlights the inclusion of new techniques in modern day learning.
I, however disagree with him on one thing. He emphasis on the importance of board exams in India and that is the reason he wrote this book too, but I believe they are not. Yes, they decide which college you get into but, they don't really determine your future. You may lag behind others for the time being because of your poor grades in boards & it may take some more years as compared to the Toppers, but if you are good at what you do, nothing can stop you.
I also think he went ahead a bit too much with where to study, when to study & what to eat. Not everybody can take these things into considerations in a country like India. It will be different for different kids and might not be taken well by everyone.
Last few chapters are the best ones. They tell us how to deal with the paper pressure and sail through it smoothly. Overall, 4 out of 5 for this book from me. Happy reading guys. Read this book and make sure kids read it too, well before their board exams. At least a year before.
PS-I have written this review for someone else and never posted on my profile. Now Compiling all the reviews on my personal page.
February 21, 2019
Everyone has a story to tell. What, how and why you want to tell others; defines your character. When I was approached by author to review the book, I was lost in thoughts why he has written this book. Perhaps he wants to brag and just want to add another feather of fame in his illustrious success story. But when I commenced reading the book, I found my perception negated by author’s intention of sharing his success in academics. NDTV News Channel announced his name, he has a big chunk of ‘Success Cake’ and he published this book almost 1 decade of his success in Board Exam, he could have easily masked his naiveness of teenage. But he did not shy away from sharing it. This suggested me he wants to help and share his experience to help students, appearing for board exam, to fight Stressful Ghost of Board Exam in planned and strategic way driven by passion, proper execution, hard work, smartness and continuous practice. So, I would ask readers to ‘Clap’ for author at this juncture of review.
Book begins with author acceptance of his limitation and boldly saying he was no genius; a reflection of honesty; a motivation for all the average students to make it a big in academics. The narration is bound to bring smile on your face the way author has described his teenage innocence. Like everyone teenage what interested him was music and sports. But he inspires not to lose focus on academics. He being a ‘Tennis Fanatic’ and ‘Roger Federer Worshipper’ used simple analogies to explain the need to score good marks as they define career. These analogies are not merely ‘Gyan’ or ‘Philosophical Theories’, he backs them with practical examples and various scientific studies published throughout globe in journals. Author has done good homework and solid research too. At one point I got a feeling of story of ‘3 Idiots’ where author emphasizes the need of learning, gaining knowledge with pure passion. And he uses words of famous Management Professor in Oxford University. Just remember ‘3 idiots’ was work of fiction and this write up is real! Chapters are concise and to the point to avoid being monotonous. He has covered minute details like what to eat, where to study, when to study; this is fascinating. The summary chapters, what book has to offer, in the end is real ‘Icing on Cake’.
Book is guide answering basic question sets of Why, How, What, Where and When to study to crack the exam. Author has written this with utmost passion and the best possible intention. Well, it is quite rational that not everyone will top by following all best possible strategies. So just want to echo the similar sentiments in the book:
“Life is marathon. There is no dearth of peaks. If you miss one that is not an end. Your efforts will not go unrewarded and you have to battle with that optimism till last breath, till you succeed.”
Bravo Gaurav! You all must be wandering what is the rating. Well, ideally such books are well above any rating metrics but since I cannot give higher than 5 Stars, so let it be. Very Highly Recommended. God Bless Author for being unselfish and sharing his code of success to help other… Way to Go!
Book begins with author acceptance of his limitation and boldly saying he was no genius; a reflection of honesty; a motivation for all the average students to make it a big in academics. The narration is bound to bring smile on your face the way author has described his teenage innocence. Like everyone teenage what interested him was music and sports. But he inspires not to lose focus on academics. He being a ‘Tennis Fanatic’ and ‘Roger Federer Worshipper’ used simple analogies to explain the need to score good marks as they define career. These analogies are not merely ‘Gyan’ or ‘Philosophical Theories’, he backs them with practical examples and various scientific studies published throughout globe in journals. Author has done good homework and solid research too. At one point I got a feeling of story of ‘3 Idiots’ where author emphasizes the need of learning, gaining knowledge with pure passion. And he uses words of famous Management Professor in Oxford University. Just remember ‘3 idiots’ was work of fiction and this write up is real! Chapters are concise and to the point to avoid being monotonous. He has covered minute details like what to eat, where to study, when to study; this is fascinating. The summary chapters, what book has to offer, in the end is real ‘Icing on Cake’.
Book is guide answering basic question sets of Why, How, What, Where and When to study to crack the exam. Author has written this with utmost passion and the best possible intention. Well, it is quite rational that not everyone will top by following all best possible strategies. So just want to echo the similar sentiments in the book:
“Life is marathon. There is no dearth of peaks. If you miss one that is not an end. Your efforts will not go unrewarded and you have to battle with that optimism till last breath, till you succeed.”
Bravo Gaurav! You all must be wandering what is the rating. Well, ideally such books are well above any rating metrics but since I cannot give higher than 5 Stars, so let it be. Very Highly Recommended. God Bless Author for being unselfish and sharing his code of success to help other… Way to Go!
March 26, 2019
Great book on how to score good marks at exam. I wish that I could read it in my school college days. A simple but effective read.
March 19, 2019
In today’s era, every information is just a click away for us, including the secret to top the board exams. I wish, we had such good books during our time too. We all know the importance of smart work, but what we don’t know is the method to connect the dots. The author does brilliant work in connecting the dots. He tells us the plan and the way to execute it as well in a smart way. He is not just giving advice but making it actionable for students too.
I really liked the cartoons in between and the tables were given to make the topic concise and easy to understand. He really knows how to gage attention and embed the important things in the mind of his reader. His language is simple and light. Every quote at the end of each chapter is worth putting up on your study table.
He insists on making notes and revisiting it. He also insists on breaking patterns of revisions and challenging yourself by solving question papers, which is something new for me (breaking the pattern of revision) and seems logical. He also introduces flashcards, apps & memory games to the reader that highlights the inclusion of new techniques in modern-day learning.
I, however, disagree with him on one thing. He emphasis on the importance of board exams in India and that is the reason he wrote this book too, but I believe they are not. Yes, they decide which college you get into but, they don’t really determine your future. You may lag behind others for the time being because of your poor grades in boards & it may take some more years as compared to the Toppers, but if you are good at what you do, nothing can stop you.
I also think he went ahead a bit too much with where to study when to study & what to eat. Not everybody can take these things into considerations in a country like India. It will be different for different kids and might not be taken well by everyone.
Last few chapters are the best ones. They tell us how to deal with the paper pressure and sail through it smoothly. Overall, 4 out of 5 for this book from me. Happy reading guys. Read How I Topped The Boards And You Can Too! by Gaurav Sood and make sure kids read it too, well before their board exams. Atleast a year before.
I really liked the cartoons in between and the tables were given to make the topic concise and easy to understand. He really knows how to gage attention and embed the important things in the mind of his reader. His language is simple and light. Every quote at the end of each chapter is worth putting up on your study table.
He insists on making notes and revisiting it. He also insists on breaking patterns of revisions and challenging yourself by solving question papers, which is something new for me (breaking the pattern of revision) and seems logical. He also introduces flashcards, apps & memory games to the reader that highlights the inclusion of new techniques in modern-day learning.
I, however, disagree with him on one thing. He emphasis on the importance of board exams in India and that is the reason he wrote this book too, but I believe they are not. Yes, they decide which college you get into but, they don’t really determine your future. You may lag behind others for the time being because of your poor grades in boards & it may take some more years as compared to the Toppers, but if you are good at what you do, nothing can stop you.
I also think he went ahead a bit too much with where to study when to study & what to eat. Not everybody can take these things into considerations in a country like India. It will be different for different kids and might not be taken well by everyone.
Last few chapters are the best ones. They tell us how to deal with the paper pressure and sail through it smoothly. Overall, 4 out of 5 for this book from me. Happy reading guys. Read How I Topped The Boards And You Can Too! by Gaurav Sood and make sure kids read it too, well before their board exams. Atleast a year before.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews