No, you can communicate with ADVi on any device (phone, computer, tablet, etc.) that has text messaging capabilities.

ADVi is free to use. If you text with ADVi, your mobile carrier may charge data or message fees.

Your privacy and security are important to us. The ADVi chatbot and its associated virtual advising program adhere to FERPA regulations regarding privacy and student information. Read the ADVi Data Privacy Policy and Terms of Service to learn more.

Currently, 12th graders and working-age adults can sign up for ADVi through ApplyTexas. First, create an ApplyTexas account or log into an existing one. Then, answer the screener questions to find the right application for you. ADVi uses these questions to make sure you’re getting messages relevant to your situation and goals. When completed, you should see an invitation to opt into ADVi on your Dashboard. You can also sign up by opting in to receive text messages through your ApplyTexas account preferences. 

It may take up to one week for you to receive messages from ADVi after opting in. If you haven’t received a text from ADVi after a few weeks, check your ApplyTexas account preferences to confirm that you entered the correct phone number. To get to your account preferences, navigate to your Dashboard, click the “Welcome, [your name]” text in the top righthand corner, and select “account preferences” from the dropdown menu. From there, you can edit your notification preferences to update your mobile number. If you don’t receive texts after updating your preferences, submit a support ticket through the ApplyTexas Help Desk.

You can text STOP at any time to opt out of ADVi text messages, but we hope you’ll stay connected with us! Keep in mind, if you’re getting ADVi’s texts from multiple phone numbers, you’ll need to text STOP to each number.

Currently, ADVi is only available to high school students and adult learners who opt in through ApplyTexas. We ask that you do not sign up for ADVi with a parent or guardian’s phone number.

The ADVi chatbot will respond to any message you send in. You can also expect to get one to two texts weekly with important updates, deadlines, and tips for applying to college.

If you ever need a break from getting messages, you can text #pause and ADVi will pause messages for a couple of weeks (but you can still reach out and ask a question at any time!). 

ADVi keeps track of your progress in ApplyTexas and can tell if you’ve completed your apps, are still working on some, or haven’t started any. This information lets ADVi send messages based on where you are in the application process. 

However, ADVi doesn’t track your ApplyTexas application after submission and can’t provide updates on the college’s admission decision. For these types of updates, contact the college’s admissions office.  

Text message conversations with ADVi are reviewed periodically to make sure ADVi is sending accurate information that is easy to understand. Real conversations also help continually improve ADVi’s “brain”! If you are requesting help from an ADVi advisor, our advising team may also read your texts with ADVi to give you the best advice possible.

ADVi only sends outgoing text messages in English. But you can ask ADVi to respond to your questions in a different language by texting #language. You can also text #followup if you want ADVi to connect you to a Spanish-speaking advisor.

Yes, you can update your number on file in ApplyTexas any time by editing your Notification preferences. Keep in mind that it may take up to a week before you start getting texts on your new phone number.

While ADVi knows a lot, no AI chatbot is perfect. If you ever need human help, just text #followup (don’t forget the #!), and ADVi will forward your text to our team of trained advisors. They know a lot about the college-going process and will get back to you within two business days (but usually much sooner!).

If you’re enrolled in ADVi text messages, text #scholarshipbot to ADVi at any time to receive a personal link for ADVi’s scholarship search tool. Keep in mind, this link can’t be shared with others, and you’ll need to request a new link if you ever want to retake the questionnaire.