Bobbi-Jo Wathen of Middletown High School on College Counseling: Taking a Data-Driven Approach.

Bobbi-Jo Wathen of Middletown High School on College Counseling: Taking a Data-Driven Approach.

Author: Venkat Raman October 18, 2023 Duration: 40:17

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Bobbi-Jo started in higher education after her undergraduate degree. While she enjoyed her work, the money wasn’t enough. So she took a detour through the Insurance Industry.

After the crash of 2008, Bobbi-Jo decided to take an “Interest Inventory” and figure out her next career move. That pointed her to School Counseling. Bobbi-Jo went to grad school and became a high school counselor.

12 years later, she is the Director of School Counseling at Middletown High School.

On our podcast, Bobbi-Jo talks about her background, about Middletown High School, Data-Driven Counseling Approach, Belief Gap Challenges, Success Stories, and her Advice for High Schoolers.

In particular, we discuss the following with her: 

  • Bobbi-Jo Wathen’s Background
  • Approach to College Counseling
  • The Belief Gap
  • Advice for High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

  • Introducing Bobbi-Jo Wathen, Middletown High School []
  • Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
  • Background []
  • Middletown High School []
  • The Role []
  • Counseling Approach []
  • The Challenges - Belief Gap []
  • Impact of Belief Gap []
  • Making a College Plan []
  • Students’ Response []
  • Test Optional []
  • More Students Applying Now []
  • Success Stories []
  • Advice for High Schoolers []
  • Staying Excited []

Our Guest: Bobbi-Jo Wathen is  Director of College Counseling at Middletown High School in Connecticut.

Memorable Quote:But our college going rates are going up, as opposed to down like the rest of the nation, right.” Bobbi-Jo Wathen.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

Recommended Episodes: College Experiences, College Application Workbook 

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Navigating the path from high school to college is filled with big questions and personal choices. College Matters. Alma Matters., hosted by Venkat Raman, offers a space for those stories, moving beyond dry advice to share real conversations. Each episode brings forward the voices of people who have been exactly where you are-alumni reflecting on their campus lives, faculty members discussing what they look for in students, admissions officers demystifying their process, and counselors offering grounded strategies. This isn't about a single formula for success; it's about hearing a diverse collection of journeys and practical insights that can help you shape your own. Tuning into this podcast feels like getting honest, thoughtful perspectives from a trusted mentor. The focus remains on authentic personal experiences, from the challenges of preparation to the transformative moments of actual college life. By presenting these narratives, the aim is to both inform and inspire, providing listeners with a deeper understanding of what lies ahead. For any student charting their course toward higher education, these conversations can be a valuable companion, offering clarity and encouragement for the road ahead.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

College Matters. Alma Matters.
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