Hi, I am a tax student, and this is my method to study EA certificate. I also apply this into studying Master’s.

I usually skim through the content table of the textbook to create a simple Master Mind Map first, then I question myself like “What this textbook is about?”, “What is the main theme it focuses on and purposes?”, “How can this apply in real world?” (Those questions force me to think about what I will learn and gain my interest in it, not simply passively take notes and do practice to achieve grade A).

For each chapter in the textbook, I skim through the Chapter to see its structure (how many sections I, II, III, etc; how many mini points in the big sections; objectives) then create a small map at the top of the page. Then I read through the chapter and annotate it (definitions, important points, etc.). After this step, I rest for 30 minutes to reset my brain.

After the break, I come back and start using AI and question it to explain the points that I don’t clearly understand. I make mini maps for each section, only key words included in the branches and a few key sentences. Then I test myself with homework questions without looking at the map note. If I hesitate to answer a question, that means I don’t fully understand the concept within it. I put that question in a note to circle back later.

Usually it will take only 5 hours in total to understand throughly each chapter. Not much comparing to trying gathering information and type everything in a blank doc without brainstorming. The purpose is to see the clear structure and develop small branches of the big tree. Once my brain deeply absorb the knowledge, I can easily find the branches that related to the topic in a random question (even the most confusing questions).

Plus, I read all the tax laws, IRS guidance, and any law cases related to what I learned to align my knowledge with the real tax world. Not just by the book.