---
title: ADVi Advisor Insights
description: View how ADVi Advisor Stephanie Maldonado's is Unweaving Webs of Myths Around College Applications 
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# ADVi Advisor Insights

Posted by [Stephanie Maldonado](https://blog.texasoncourse.org/educator/author/stephanie-maldonado) on Oct 7, 2026, 11:56:22 AM

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 **Unweaving Webs of Myths Around College Applications** 

It all started with a common myth that echoed through generations like a ghost story: *College isn't for everyone.* And as with most tales of unspeakable horrors, the myth began to evolve, and one small whisper became a chorus of misconceptions.

*"College isn't for me."*

*"I don't know what I want to do, so why pay to go to college?"*

*"Why should I apply if I don't know where I want to go?"*

As advisors, counselors, and educators, we understand that college can be for everyone and opens doors to a plethora of opportunities. As we each have our own experience navigating the college application process and overcoming barriers, we can empathize with some of the fear and concerns students may feel about approaching a college application.

Perhaps this is where we can start unraveling some of these misconceptions. By sharing our stories, we can invite students to explore the many pathways that now lead to higher education and, ultimately, a successful career. Students have the ability to design their college path, whether that's starting at a university, a community college, or a vocational school. Getting into a successful career is no longer solely attainable by spending many years in college to earn a specific credential while paying a high sticker price. There's a vast landscape of opportunities etched with many paths, each as unique as the students we guide.

While they craft what their journey looks like, students can explore initiatives that make applying to college more accessible than it was in previous years. One initiative that unweaves some myths around college applications is Free College Application Week. It's a great opportunity for our students to apply to public institutions across Texas and serves as a perfect chance for those still undecided about college, as it removes a payment barrier that could be fueling some of their hesitation. Even if they don't know what they want to do yet or are still deciding between several colleges, Free Collee Application Week makes it possible to simply try.

Taking that first step of trying is sometimes all it takes to fan sparks of confidence. Applying to college doesn't have to be scary or intimidating – it's not a ghost story. It's also not limited to those who have it all figured out. Applying to college can be for the explorers, the dreamers, and those still designing what their path after high school looks like.

While unraveling misconceptions is not an overnight feat, debunking the myths is possible. Earning a credential and opening doors to a career is attainable for every student. The journey is adjustable and customizable to their goals and their own timelines. Applying to college is the start of an adventure, and it’s one we get the privilege of helping them discover by taking those first empowering steps.

**Advisors Bio:** Stephanie Maldonado is among the incredible advisors of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board’s ADVi program. She’s been an ADVi advisor for over three years, and she has extensive background advising transfer students and adult learners. She hails from San Antonio, Texas, where she experienced higher education as a transfer student and eventually as an academic advisor at a local community college. By working in higher education for over 12 years, Stephanie has utilized her knowledge and personal experience to help Texas students successfully navigate their adventures within higher education.

 Topics: [Applying to College](https://blog.texasoncourse.org/educator/tag/applying-to-college), [College Planning](https://blog.texasoncourse.org/educator/tag/college-planning), [Students and Families](https://blog.texasoncourse.org/educator/tag/students-and-families), [High School](https://blog.texasoncourse.org/educator/tag/high-school)

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