How did you approach your studies with Fast Forward Academy?

FFA set you up for success on their study program! I started everything off by scoping the topic, drawing out mind map of chapter’s topics on the notebook and do 10 quizzes each topic, followed by textbooks and lecture. I really love the toolbar on the right side where you can view E textbook and parking lot note side by side, and the “§” symbols icon that shows you the reference of forms etc. FFA saved me so much time from picking up different folders, books and searching google. Repetition is very essential for your success. Revisit the chapters every day/every other day/week by selecting the topic. Do 10 questions each time. If you studied 3 chapters, do 10 mix questions of those 3 chapters. That way your brain can retain the concepts until your practice test days and scheduled test day. You can select doing just your incorrect/flagged questions until you get your points and un-flag the ones when you feel confident about.

How did you research questions you got wrong?

When I had questions along the way, I mostly found my answers through the explanation and coach’s replies on the thread that is already there. I re-read the questions, viewed the E textbook (side by side using the right toolbar) and read discussion posts to find my answers.

What tools did you find useful and how did you maximize your time?

I reviewed my incorrect questions using online digital book and parking lot flashcards on the right toolbar side by side. Drilling the material I was able to see the same concepts over and over again. When I studied for part 2, I made my own notes and flashcards on my laptop and phone. I color coded my flashcards to help me remember. When feeling study burn out, Id take a short break by reviewing my flashcards. You should view the material you don’t remember every every day/ every other day until your brain retain the concepts.

What would you say to students that want to memorize answers as a study tactic?

Do not memorize answer on calculations! Take some time to review how that is calculated and redo that calculation again 3-5 times and do the same calculation again the very next day. Part 2 study was challenging for me. I revisited the lecture multiple times and when I heard the lecturer said, “If you don’t remember the formula, you’re probably guessing.”, he was right. I decided to write the formulas on ONE sheet of paper instead of using my notebook and flashcards and that helped me a lot.

Did you have test anxiety before taking your first exam?

I was really nervous on my first exam (part 1) even though I knew that I was going to pass because I followed RAIN’s steps accordingly and I did pass. So to those who are reading this right now for your first exam, if you follow FFA study tips, you will be fine! Stay calm, focused and get some good rest before the exam.

What insights can you share about your exam for part 2?

There were questions about de minimis rule, corporation’s AMT and QBI questions. I am so thankful for the Fast Forward community thread in these areas. I also went through and read all the 100 questions before I start. I answered some of the straightforward concept questions, wrote down some notes, then I went back to question number 1. This process took me 30 minutes and I still completed my exam before the 3:30 hr limit. AND I PASSED!

How has earning the EA credential helped you in this most recent tax season?

Having an EA credential motivates me to study and do extensive research for taxpayers. My ability to explain tax concepts improve tremendously.

What kinds of things are you doing now that perhaps you did not do before?

Now that I am an EA, I have been taking all of the IRS webinar classes offered by the IRS website. Also, I am still using the FFA book to review the basic concepts up to this very day. I appreciate the course and the community FFA provided.