For some accounting students, the Certified Public Accounting (CPA) exam is the next step after graduation. For one Oklahoma Christian University student, a Newton D. Becker scholarship is helping him get closer to achieving that milestone.
In November 2017, senior Sisay Gillock, an accounting major from Portland, OR, applied for the Full Becker Bundle course scholarship—a total value of $3,487. He said he knew the opportunity was competitive, as the institution only awards 40 full-package scholarships. Becker contacted Gillock Dec. 15 to inform him the organization had selected him as a full-scholarship recipient.
“I applied as soon as possible,” Gillock said. “I just wrote an essay and then applied. I wasn’t sure if I was going to get it, because they were only going to pick 40 [people] in America. So, I was like, ‘Yeah, probably not,’ but I’ll just do it.”
Becker Professional Education, a service individuals use to prepare for additional schooling and certification tests, offers a variety of scholarships for programs such as CPA Exam Reviews.
“With a focus on delivering the most current content tested and software functionality that mirrors the exam in every way, Becker’s CPA Exam Review course helps empower our students to attain the CPA credential,” the website said.
Gillock said the test review program will help prepare him to take the CPA exam after he graduates in April. He said the cost of most review courses can range from $3,000-$5,000, depending on the contents of the course package. He said he knew a scholarship was the only way he would be able to afford the test preparation package.
“I wanted to take a course with [Becker], but I was like, ‘There’s no way I’m going to afford it,’” Gillock said. “So, I start looking around if they have any scholarships. When they came to OC, I asked if they had anything coming up soon, and [the representative] told me to go look online. I looked online and found it on their website. I had low hopes of getting it, so I was pretty surprised.”
According to the Becker website, the review bundle includes a variety of components to help test-takers prepare for the exam. The package is extensive and detailed in the products it offers.
“Our premium review package includes lectures, textbooks, simulations, practice questions, mock exams, flash cards, a final review module and more,” the website said. “It’s thorough, relevant and efficient, to help empower you to succeed when you sit for the exam.”
Although Gillock used Oklahoma Christian professors as references for the scholarship, he said he took the initiative on his own to seek out and apply for the review scholarship. He said it is difficult to pass the CPA exam without taking a preparation course, because the test is comprehensive, but he is excited to see how much the Becker review program helps him succeed.
“I think it’s really going to help me, and I feel like I could pass it now with the help of their course and studying throughout the semester and then next year,” Gillock said.
Professor of Business Jody Jones said Gillock’s hard work is evident in his work as a student, a runner on the cross-country team, an intern for the Baker Group and in his personal life. Jones said the CPA exam review will be beneficial to Gillock as he prepares to take the test after graduation.
“These exams are very tough and cover a lot of information,” Jones said. “This class should help him prepare for not only the subject matter of tests, but also the format and question structure.”
Because the scholarship eliminates the financial burden of the exam review, Jones said Gillock will be able to focus on the test preparation rather than the cost. Jones said he hopes to see Gillock succeed in his efforts following graduation from Oklahoma Christian.
“I hope Sisay finds a place where he can use his God-given talent,” Jones said. “I hope even more that he can find a place to balance his career and family.”
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