Privacy Policy

Last updated: September 1, 2025

1. INTRODUCTION

Welcome to Admission Compass ("we," "us," "our," or "Service"). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our college admissions guidance platform at admissioncompass.com.

We are committed to protecting your privacy and handling your data responsibly. This policy describes our data practices in clear, understandable language.

By using Admission Compass, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this Privacy Policy.

2. INFORMATION WE COLLECT

2.1 Personal Information You Provide

When you use our Service, you may provide us with:

Account Information:

Email address (for login and communication)
Name and basic profile information
Account preferences and settings

Academic Information:

GPA and test scores (SAT, ACT, etc.)
Academic achievements and coursework
Extracurricular activities and leadership roles
School information and graduation year

Essay Content:

College application essays for AI analysis
Personal statements and supplemental essays
Essay prompts and requirements

Application Data:

College preferences and target schools
Application timelines and deadlines
Financial aid and scholarship information

2.2 Information Automatically Collected

Usage Analytics:

Pages visited and features used
Time spent on different sections
Click patterns and user interactions
Device and browser information

Technical Information:

IP address and general location
Browser type and version
Operating system information
Screen resolution and device type

Local Storage Data:

Analysis results (stored temporarily in your browser)
User preferences and settings
Session data for improved experience

2.3 Information We DO NOT Collect

Social security numbers or government IDs
Credit card or financial account information
Passwords (we use secure authentication)
Detailed location tracking beyond general region

3. HOW WE USE YOUR INFORMATION

3.1 Primary Uses

We use your information to:

Provide Core Services:

Analyze college applications and essays
Generate personalized admissions recommendations
Compare colleges and programs
Deliver AI-powered feedback and insights

Improve User Experience:

Customize content and recommendations
Remember your preferences and settings
Provide relevant college suggestions
Optimize platform performance

Communication:

Send analysis results and updates
Notify you of new features or improvements
Provide customer support and assistance
Share educational content and resources

3.2 AI Analysis Processing

Important: Your essays and application data are:

Processed by our AI systems (including Cohere API) for analysis
Used to generate personalized feedback and recommendations
NOT stored permanently on our servers
NOT shared with colleges or third parties
NOT used to train AI models without explicit consent

3.3 Analytics and Improvement

We use aggregated, anonymized data to:

Understand how users interact with our platform
Identify areas for improvement
Develop new features and services
Conduct research on college admissions trends

4. DATA SHARING AND DISCLOSURE

4.1 What We DO NOT Share

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. Specifically, we do not share:

Your essays or application materials with colleges
Personal information with marketing companies
Individual user data with advertisers
Academic records with unauthorized parties

4.2 Limited Data Sharing

We may share information only in these specific circumstances:

Service Providers:

Cohere API for AI-powered essay analysis
Vercel for website hosting and infrastructure
Google Analytics for usage analytics (anonymized)
Email service providers for communication

Legal Requirements:

When required by law or legal process
To protect our rights or the safety of users
In connection with business transfers or mergers
To prevent fraud or security threats

4.3 Third-Party Services

We use the following third-party services:

Cohere AI: For essay analysis and feedback

Data is processed but not stored by Cohere
Subject to Cohere's privacy policy and terms

Google Analytics: For website usage analytics

Uses anonymized and aggregated data only
You can opt out using browser settings or extensions

Vercel: For website hosting and content delivery

Handles technical infrastructure securely
Does not access or process user content

5. DATA SECURITY AND PROTECTION

5.1 Security Measures

We implement industry-standard security practices:

Technical Safeguards:

Encryption of data in transit and at rest
Secure HTTPS connections for all interactions
Regular security audits and updates
Access controls and authentication systems

Operational Safeguards:

Limited employee access to personal data
Regular staff training on privacy practices
Incident response procedures
Data backup and recovery systems

5.2 Data Retention

Essays and Analysis:

Essays are not permanently stored on our servers
Analysis results are temporarily cached for user access
Data is automatically deleted after session ends
Users can clear local storage at any time

Account Information:

Stored while your account remains active
Deleted upon account termination request
Some data may be retained for legal compliance

5.3 Data Breach Response

In the unlikely event of a data breach:

We will investigate and contain the incident immediately
Affected users will be notified within 72 hours
Appropriate authorities will be contacted as required
We will provide guidance on protective measures

6. COOKIES AND TRACKING TECHNOLOGIES

6.1 Current Cookie Usage

We currently use minimal tracking technologies:

Session Storage:

Temporary storage of user preferences
Analysis results during your session
No persistent tracking across visits

Local Storage:

Essay analysis results (stored locally in your browser)
User interface preferences
Data remains on your device only

6.2 Third-Party Analytics

Google Analytics:

Anonymized usage statistics
No personally identifiable information
Can be disabled in browser settings

6.3 Cookie Control

You can control cookies through:

Browser privacy settings
Third-party privacy extensions
Opting out of Google Analytics
Clearing local storage manually

Note: We do not use advertising cookies or cross-site tracking.

7. YOUR PRIVACY RIGHTS

7.1 Access and Control Rights

You have the right to:

Access Your Data:

Request a copy of information we have about you
Review how your data is being used
Download your analysis results and essays

Modify Your Information:

Update account information and preferences
Correct inaccurate data
Change communication settings

Delete Your Data:

Request account deletion
Clear local storage and cached data
Stop using the service at any time

7.2 California Privacy Rights (CCPA)

If you are a California resident, you have additional rights:

Right to know what personal information is collected
Right to delete personal information
Right to opt-out of sale (note: we don't sell data)
Right to non-discrimination for exercising privacy rights

7.3 How to Exercise Your Rights

To exercise your privacy rights:

Email us: support@admissioncompass.com
Subject line: "Privacy Rights Request"
Include: Your account email and specific request
Response time: We will respond within 30 days

8. CHILDREN'S PRIVACY

8.1 Age Requirements

Our service is designed for users aged 13 and older
Users under 18 should have parental consent
We comply with COPPA requirements for users under 13

8.2 Parental Rights

Parents and guardians have the right to:

Review their child's information
Request deletion of their child's data
Control their child's participation in our service

8.3 Special Protections

For users under 18, we:

Limit data collection to educational purposes only
Do not use information for marketing
Provide enhanced security protections

9. INTERNATIONAL DATA TRANSFERS

9.1 Data Processing Location

Primary servers located in the United States
Some processing may occur internationally through service providers
All transfers comply with applicable privacy laws

9.2 International User Rights

Users outside the United States have rights under local privacy laws:

GDPR rights for European users
Similar protections under other jurisdictions
Right to data portability and erasure

10. EMAIL COMMUNICATIONS

10.1 Types of Emails

We may send you:

Service-Related Emails:

Analysis results and reports
Account security notifications
Important service updates
Customer support responses

Educational Content (Optional):

College admissions tips and guidance
Platform feature updates
Relevant educational resources

10.2 Email Preferences

You can control email communications by:

Updating your account preferences
Using unsubscribe links in emails
Contacting support to opt out

Note: Service-related emails cannot be completely disabled

10.3 Marketing Communications

We do not currently send marketing emails
If we begin marketing communications, you can opt out
We will never share your email with third-party marketers
All promotional content will be relevant to college admissions

11. DATA ACCURACY AND LIMITATIONS

11.1 AI Analysis Limitations

Important Disclaimers:

AI analysis is supplemental, not definitive
Results may contain errors or biases
Cultural context may be misunderstood
Human review is always recommended

See Sections 7 and 9 of our Terms of Service for additional disclaimers and liability limitations related to AI.

11.2 College Data Accuracy

College information comes from public sources
Data may not reflect current requirements
Users should verify information independently
We update data regularly but cannot guarantee accuracy

11.3 User Responsibility

Users are responsible for:

Providing accurate information
Keeping account information current
Using analysis results appropriately
Verifying all college-related information

12. CHANGES TO THIS PRIVACY POLICY

12.1 Policy Updates

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically
Changes will be posted on this page with updated date
Significant changes will be communicated via email
Continued use constitutes acceptance of updates

12.2 Notification Process

For material changes, we will:

Send email notifications to active users
Post prominent notices on our website
Allow 30 days for review before implementation
Provide clear explanation of changes

13. CONTACT INFORMATION

13.1 Privacy Questions

For privacy-related questions or concerns:

Email: support@admissioncompass.com
Subject: "Privacy Policy Question"
Response Time: Within 48 hours during business days

13.2 Data Requests

To exercise your privacy rights:

Email: support@admissioncompass.com
Subject: "Data Request - [Your Specific Request]"
Include: Account email and detailed description
Processing Time: Up to 30 days

13.3 Business Information

Service: Admission Compass
Website: admissioncompass.com
Business Location: California, United States

14. LEGAL BASIS FOR PROCESSING

14.1 Lawful Processing

We process your information based on:

Consent: You voluntarily provide information
Service Performance: To deliver our platform services
Legitimate Interests: To improve and secure our service
Legal Compliance: To meet regulatory requirements

14.2 Consent Withdrawal

You can withdraw consent at any time by:

Stopping use of the service
Deleting your account
Contacting our support team

Note: Withdrawal may limit service functionality

15. DATA PROTECTION COMPLIANCE

15.1 Regulatory Compliance

We comply with applicable privacy laws including:

California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA)
Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA)
General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) where applicable
State privacy laws and regulations

15.2 Privacy by Design

Our platform is built with privacy in mind:

Minimal data collection practices
Purpose limitation for data use
Regular privacy impact assessments
User control and transparency

This Privacy Policy is effective as of September 1, 2025. If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us at support@admissioncompass.com.