Aggies, Longhorns, Bobcats and Bearkats will be there. So will the Ragin’ Cajuns, Red Raiders, Wildcats, Huskers and Cowboys.

Wildkats are going places, and the College and Career Fair’s main goal is to help them figure out where. The event is planned for Monday, August 28 from 6-8 at the Willis High School CTE building. 

“We have over 40 reps signed up,” College and Career Counselor Tricia Neumann said. “Most of them are colleges. We have a couple places that are more career opportunities that are trades. We’re talking A&M, UT, Sam Houston, Lone Star College, Texas State and Texas Tech. Those are the main ones that our students apply to, but we have a whole host of others that maybe are opportunities that students didn’t even realize.”

Not every student plans for college after high school, so representatives from other areas of study will also be there Monday night. 

“We have all four branches of the military coming,” Neumann said. “We have some trade schools coming as well. Everybody’s route is different. That’s why we call it Wildkats are Going Places as opposed to just a college night.”

It is important for students to engage in college preparation. The opportunities available are endless for students graduating in the world today.

“So one of the biggest things that most students don’t realize are the different opportunities that are out there for them,” Neumann said. “By coming to this, it’s an opportunity to see what kinds of programs are available at each school, what are their requirements, maybe even realizing like you know what, I could do this.”

Seniors are the group making the most immediate decisions. Early admission is already open, and many seniors are currently applying for colleges. The information gathered Monday night could have a big impact. 

“I just want to get more information about different colleges that I don’t really know about because I really haven’t looked into information about the colleges around here, and I really want to get that,” senior Grace Caron said. “I am so ready for senior year to be over, but at the same time starting college is so scary to me at the moment. I feel like these past four years have gone by so fast.”

The fact that so many colleges will be on campus is a big time and money saver to potential students. The representatives can answer questions about admissions, financial aid, campus life and college life in general. It is much more interactive than a website.

“I think talking to the reps about what their college looks like, the campus, the environment, and the culture of the school would be good because that’s not something you can get from pamphlets,” senior Elle Wienecke said.  

All students are encouraged to attend. Just talking to a couple of schools can really add focus to the college search for any grade level. 

“I want to go so I can talk to colleges and see what is available,” sophomore Natalia Herrera said. “I want to know what I need to attend that school. I am already taking college level classes, and we will apply during our junior year, so I need to know what I can do now.”

College and trade school can offer so many opportunities. Students are encouraged to come see what options are for them. 

“We have a lot of students that get a little bit nervous thinking  maybe my grades weren’t the best or school’s kinda hard, and there won’t be a college that wants me,” Neumann said. “There is always a college if somebody wants to go. Let’s dream big and see what life has to offer and not be afraid to tackle it.”