For more information, contact Cindy Young, (937) 775-3232.
March 19, 1998
WRIGHT STATE GRADUATE EARNS
TOP SCORE ON OHIO CPA EXAM
Danielle Rolfes, a June 1997 Wright State University graduate now employed by
Procter & Gamble in Cincinnati, had the top score in Ohio on the Certified Public
Accounting (CPA) exam given in November. She scored 387 out of a possible 400
points on the exam. Rolfes' professors at Wright State can't recall anyone getting a
higher score on the exam.
A score of 300, or 75 percent, is required to pass the four-part CPA exam. According to Maggie Houston, lecturer in the WSU Department of Accountancy, only 16 percent of those taking the CPA exam pass all four sections on their first attempt. Another 62 percent don't pass any of the sections on the first attempt.
"Just passing the entire exam the first time is quite an accomplishment," says Gregory Bushong, associate professor of accountancy at Wright State.
Rolfes' professors at Wright State are not surprised she scored so highly on the exam. A Wright State Presidential Scholar, Rolfes "stood out from the first day," according to Houston.
Like most students preparing for the CPA exam, Rolfes enrolled in an exam review class. Cramming for the exam isn't the best way to prepare, according to Bushong.
"Students have to study outside the class," he said. "Danielle tried to learn the material, as opposed to cramming for the exam." Studying the material, "will also serve you better in the future once the exam is over."
Rolfes' score is just one of several recent outstanding efforts by WSU accountancy graduates. Randall Gonzales, currently completing a military commitment in Nashville, Tenn., placed third on the Indiana CPA exam last year. Lori Scheckelhoff, a staff accountant with Arthur Andersen in Columbus, placed second on the Ohio exam in May 1996. Teams of Wright State students were champions in the Institute of Management Accountants National Student Case Competition in 1992 and 1994.
