Privacy Policy

Effective Date: March 27, 2026

1. Overview

College Solutions (“we,” “our,” or “us”) is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard personal information in compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation, the Virginia Consumer Data Protection Act, and other applicable laws.

By using our website (www.collegesolutions.com), you agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy.

2. Information We Collect

We may collect the following categories of information:

• Personal Information: Name, email address, phone number
• Student Information: Academic interests, preferences, and planning data
• Family Information: Parent/guardian contact details
• Technical Data: IP address, browser type, device information
• Usage Data: Website interactions and analytics

We collect information when you:

• Complete forms
• Schedule consultations
• Engage with our services

3. How We Use Information

We use personal data to:

• Provide college counseling services
• Communicate with students and families
• Schedule consultations and meetings
• Process payments
• Improve our services and website
• Comply with legal obligations

4. Education Data & FERPA Considerations

College Solutions recognizes that certain information may relate to student education records under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.

• We act as a service provider to families, not an educational institution
• Information is used solely for advising purposes
• We do not access official school records unless voluntarily provided
• Education-related data is treated as confidential and not shared without consent

5. Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR)

Where applicable, we process data based on:

• Your consent
• Performance of a contract
• Legitimate business purposes
• Legal obligations

6. Data Minimization

We collect only the data necessary to provide our services.

We take steps to:

• Limit unnecessary data collection
• Restrict access to authorized personnel
• Periodically review and delete outdated information

7. Sharing of Information

We may share personal data with:

• Service providers (e.g., CRM, scheduling tools)
• Payment processors such as Stripe
• Legal authorities if required

We do not sell personal data.

8. Payment Processing

Payments are securely processed through third-party providers, including Stripe.

• We do not store full payment card details
• Payment information is handled directly by Stripe
• Stripe operates as an independent data controller

9. Your Rights

Under VCDPA:
You may:

• Access your data
• Correct inaccuracies
• Delete personal data
• Request a copy of your data
• Opt out of certain processing

Under GDPR:
You may:

• Access, correct, or erase data
• Restrict or object to processing
• Request data portability
• Withdraw consent

To exercise your rights, contact us at: operations@collegesolutions.com

10. Cookies & Tracking

We use cookies to:

• Improve website performance
• Analyze traffic
• Enhance user experience

You may control cookie preferences through your browser or our cookie banner.

11. Data Security

We implement reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect personal data.

12. Data Retention

We retain personal data only as long as necessary for:

• Service delivery
• Legal compliance
• Business operations

13. International Data Transfers

Your data may be processed outside your country, including in the United States. We use appropriate safeguards to protect your information.

14. Children’s Information

Our services involve students but are delivered with parent or guardian involvement where appropriate.

15. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Continued use of our website constitutes acceptance of updates.

16. Contact Information

College Solutions
672 Jonna St
Crozet, VA 22932
United States
operations@collegesolutions.com