Tipp City Schools proudly announces that Tippecanoe High School senior Ben Van Oss has been recognized as a National Merit Scholarship Program Semi-Finalist. This distinction is awarded to the nation’s most academically talented high school students. This recognition highlights Ben's exceptional performance on the PSAT/NMSQT and his commitment to academic excellence throughout his high school career.
With a selection index score of 227 out of 228, Ben’s achievement placed him well above Ohio’s cutoff score for semi-finalist status. Reflecting on the recognition, Ben shared, “I place a pretty high importance on academics in my life, so having the recognition from a program like National Merit is meaningful to me. It shows I am achieving success in an arena that I care about.”
While excited by this honor, Ben admits he wasn’t entirely surprised once he received his score report. “When I saw my score, I knew there was a high likelihood that I would become a National Merit Semifinalist because I met the other qualifications, such as having a consistently high academic record.” He also scored a perfect 36 on the American College Test (ACT).
Ben’s achievements extend well beyond the classroom. A dedicated member of the National Honor Society, Quiz Bowl team, and Debate Club, Ben has consistently shown a commitment to learning and collaboration. He also volunteers as a Safety City Leader, guiding younger students through educational activities. Despite his rigorous academic and extracurricular obligations, Ben maintains balance by prioritizing his time. “I’ve avoided overloading my schedule to ensure I can manage school when it gets especially taxing. Many of my interests, like reading and digital art, are flexible enough to cut back on if needed,” he explained.
Ben credits his success to the inspiration he’s drawn from many of his teachers at Tippecanoe High School. “The vigor and dedication they put into their work encourages me to be as committed to learning as they are to teaching. The best teachers I have had have all inspired me to care about what I’m learning and sometimes to push beyond even what they teach me.”
Looking ahead, Ben has ambitious plans. “Right now, my main focus after high school is to go to college,” he said. He applied to several top schools. On his National Merit Finalist application, Ben listed the University of Alabama as his first-choice school, as they offer a substantial scholarship for National Merit Finalists. He added where he matriculates “depends a lot on what offers I get and how my disposition changes in the coming months.”
When asked what advice he would give to students who aspire to achieve similar academic success, Ben offered a thoughtful perspective: “Doing well on standardized tests is not the only way to achieve academic recognition. If tests are your thing, great! But if they don’t click with you, focus on something you are passionate about. Follow your learning journey because you are curious and want to grow your understanding—not just to get your name in a news article. That should be a bonus.”
Finalists will be announced in early 2025.