Applyace Privacy and Cookies Policy

Personal Information

Sign-up Information: When users register for an account, we collect basic information such as:

• Name
• Email address
• Phone number

Profile Information: Once users create a profile, we collect additional information:

• Educational background (e.g., high school, college, transcripts)
• Standardized test scores (e.g., SAT, ACT)
• Work experience (if applicable)
• Extracurricular activities and achievements
• Personal statement and essays
• Demographic information (optional, e.g., gender, ethnicity)
• Family information
• Contact information for references
• All personal details required to apply in university

Usage Data

We log user activity on the platform, including:

• Pages visited
• Features used
• Searches performed
• Time spent on the platform
• Interaction with specific universities or programs

Third-Party Information

We may integrate with third-party services like social media platforms, which may provide us with additional information about users.

If users connect their accounts to external services (e.g., cloud storage for transcripts), we may collect limited access to that information with their consent.

Sensitive Information

We consider data like transcripts, test scores, and family information to be sensitive. We collect and process this information only with explicit user consent and for the specific purpose of helping them apply to universities.

Cookies and Similar Technologies

When you use our Website for the first time, a cookie notice is shown. Applyace uses the information collected through cookies strictly for the purposes stated in the Cookie Statement, found below.

How We Collect Your Data

Applyace collects personal information in various ways. Information is obtained when you visit our Website, register on our Website, communicate with us via social media, or subscribe to our newsletter.

We may also receive personal information from associated educational institutions, subsidiaries, partners, or other service providers. Additionally, we collect some information by accessing your publicly available data, such as your Facebook or LinkedIn public profile.

Purposes of Processing Your Data

We process personal information for the following purposes:

Providing Services to You

Applyace processes personal data to provide services such as sending program recommendations, optimizing search algorithms, assessing admission chances, and facilitating communication with educational institutes.

For these purposes, Applyace processes personal data including: name, digital contact details, demographic information, shortlisted programs, disciplines and countries of interest, funding situation, preferred start period, previous education information, and work experience.

Applyace is allowed to process personal data for these purposes to pursue its own legitimate interest or those of the educational institutions; the legitimate interest being to provide the best service and align users with their preferred educational institutions.

To Communicate with You

Applyace processes contact details to communicate with users, answer questions, or handle complaints. This applies to both students and (potential) clients/customers/partners.

For this purpose, Applyace processes personal data including: communication history, name, digital contact details, and messages. For (potential) clients, additional data processed includes: phone number, employer, and country.

Applyace is allowed to process personal data for this purpose to pursue its own legitimate interests or those of the educational institutions; the legitimate interest being to communicate effectively and provide the best service.

For Processing Student Applications for Specific Universities

Applyace processes personal information to enable students to apply for specific universities through Applyace instead of through the university website. For this processing, Applyace acts as a processor, processing information on behalf of the educational institution concerned.

For this purpose, Applyace processes personal data on behalf of the educational institution, including: name, digital contact details, analog contact details, passport, educational transcripts, CV, various credentials (e.g., English language proficiency), demographic information, shortlisted programs, disciplines and countries of interest, funding situation, preferred start period, previous education information, and work experience.

How We Use Your Information

• We use user information to provide and improve the Applyace platform and services.
• Fulfill university application requirements as authorized by users.
• Offer personalized recommendations and suggestions.
• Analyze user behavior and usage trends.
• Communicate with users regarding their applications and platform updates.
• Send marketing and promotional materials (with consent).

Sharing Your Information

• We share user information with universities only as authorized by the user during the application process.
• We may share anonymized usage data with third-party analytics providers to improve the platform.
• We may share user information with third-party service providers who support platform functionalities (e.g., cloud storage).
• We will not share user information with any other third party without their consent, except as required by law.

Data Retention

We retain user information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy, or as required by law. Users can request deletion of their account and personal information at any time.

Security

We implement appropriate security measures to protect user information from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. However, no online platform is 100% secure, so we cannot guarantee the absolute security of user information.

Transparency and Control

We provide users with clear and easy-to-understand information about our data collection practices. Users have control over their information and can manage their privacy settings through their account dashboard. We respect user rights regarding access, rectification, erasure, and objection to data processing.

Children's Privacy

Our platform is not directed towards children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13.

Changes to this Policy

We may update this policy periodically. We will notify users of any changes by posting the updated policy on our website.

Contact Us

If you have any questions about this policy, please contact us at Contact Us.

In some instances, Applyace acts as the data controller, meaning we collect and process your information directly for our own purposes as outlined in this policy. However, we may also act as a data processor for certain universities and organizations you interact with on our platform. This means we handle your information according to their specific instructions and purposes.

Who controls your data: To ensure transparency and empower you, please check the privacy policies of any educational institutions or organizations you. Their policies will detail how they collect, use, and store your data.

For more information, you can visit our About Us page: AboutUs