Privacy Policy

Introduction

This policy explains what personal information Cortex, Inc., d/b/a Cortex College Consulting ("Cortex," "we," or "us") collects through www.cortexcc.com, how we use it, and the choices you have.

Effective date: October 21, 2026

By using our website or sharing information with us, you agree to the practices described here. If you do not agree, please do not use the site.

Information we collect

We collect the information you give us directly, plus some technical data that our website records automatically.

Information you provide

  • Contact details: your name, email address, phone number, and mailing address.

  • Student and family information: a student's name, grade, school, grades and transcripts, test scores, activities, interests, goals, and essay drafts.

  • Communications: messages you send us, form submissions, meeting notes, and any session recordings or transcripts you have agreed to.

  • Billing details: information needed to invoice you and process payment for our services.

Information collected automatically

  • Device and usage data: your IP address, browser type, operating system, pages viewed, referring website, and the date and time of your visit.

  • Cookies and similar technologies: described in the Cookies and analytics section below.

How we use information

We use personal information to deliver college consulting services and to run our business responsibly.

  • Provide and personalize our services, such as building college lists, planning activities, and reviewing essays.

  • Respond to inquiries, schedule meetings, and send service-related messages.

  • Invoice you and process payments.

  • Operate, secure, and improve our website and services.

  • Comply with legal obligations and enforce our agreements.

If you join our interest list, we use the information you submit only to contact you about scheduling a consultation.

How we share information

We do not sell your personal information. We share it only in the following situations.

  • Service providers: companies that help us operate, such as website hosting, email, scheduling, video meetings, document storage, and payment processing. They may use your information only to perform services for us.

  • At your direction: for example, when you ask us to send a student's materials to a summer program or school.

  • Legal reasons: when required by law, subpoena, or court order, or to protect the rights, safety, or property of Cortex, our clients, or others.

  • Business changes: if Cortex is involved in a merger, sale, or transfer of assets, your information may transfer to the new owner, who must honor this policy.

Cookies and analytics

Our website uses cookies, which are small files stored on your device, to keep the site working, remember your preferences, and understand how visitors use it. We may also use third-party analytics tools that collect usage data on our behalf.

You can block or delete cookies in your browser settings. If you do, some parts of the site may not work as expected.

Data retention and security

We keep personal information only as long as needed to provide our services and to meet legal, tax, and accounting requirements. We review our interest list periodically and delete entries for people who have not scheduled a consultation within 12 months. When other information is no longer needed, we delete or de-identify it.

We use reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect the information we hold. No method of storage or transmission is completely secure, so we cannot guarantee absolute security.

Children and students under 18

Our services support high school students, so we often handle information about people under 18. We ask that a parent or guardian arrange our services and consent to our collecting a minor's information.

Our website is not directed to children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from them without verifiable parental consent. If you believe a child under 13 has given us information, contact us and we will delete it.

Parents and guardians may review, correct, or request deletion of their child's information at any time by contacting us.

Your choices and rights

You can contact us to request access to, correction of, or deletion of your personal information, or a copy of the information we hold about you.

California residents may have the right to:

  • Know what personal information we collect, use, and disclose.

  • Request deletion of personal information we hold about you.

  • Request correction of inaccurate personal information.

  • Opt out of the sale or sharing of personal information. We do not sell or share personal information for advertising.

  • Receive equal service and pricing if you exercise these rights.

To make a request, use the contact details below. We may ask you to verify your identity first, and we will respond within 45 days. An authorized agent may submit a request on your behalf with your written permission.

Third-party links, changes, and contact

Third-party links. Our website may link to other sites, such as colleges and summer programs. We do not control their privacy practices and encourage you to read their policies.

Changes to this policy. We may update this policy from time to time. When we do, we will post the new version here and change the effective date above. Continued use of the site after an update means you accept the revised policy.

Contact us. Questions or requests about this policy can be sent to info@cortexcc.com.