Policies & Terms of Service
Service Agreement & Payment Policy
Payment Schedule
Services must be paid in full according to the payment agreements established prior to the start of services. After a two-week grace period, failure to pay for the hired service by the required deadline will result in a termination of the service. The only exception to this is for those receiving an approved scholarship/reduced rate based on income status, extenuating circumstances, or another mutually determined reason. We are happy to work with you to create a payment plan.
Non-Transferable
Services are specific to the package selected and are not transferable to another academic year or package. For example, purchasing a College Counseling Package for 11th grade does not include services for 12th grade. A separate agreement must be made for 12th-grade counseling.
Service Continuation Subject to Availability
Please note that enrolling in one year's counseling package does not guarantee a spot in the following year's package. Availability for subsequent years or services is subject to availability and requires a separate agreement.
Refund Policy
Refund Requests Before Service Has Started
If you’ve made a payment but the services have not yet started, we offer a refund minus a $200 administrative fee. Please contact us as soon as possible to request this refund.
Refunds After Service Has Started
Once services have begun, we offer refunds based on the following tiered structure:
Within 14 days of the first session/service: 80% refund of the total fee paid.
Within 28 days of the first session/service: 50% refund of the total fee paid.
After 28 days of the first session/service: No refund will be issued.
Refunds will be calculated based on the total service fee paid, with the amount adjusted depending on how much time has passed since the first service was provided.
Extenuating Circumstances
In cases of extenuating circumstances (e.g., medical emergencies, family crises), we are willing to discuss the possibility of a refund or service adjustment on a case-by-case basis. Documentation may be required.
How to Request a Refund
To request a refund, please reach out to us at info@uncommoncollegecounseling.com, providing relevant details about your request.
Refund Processing Time
Once approved, refunds will be processed within 48 hours on business days. Please allow up to a week or more for the refund to appear in your account, depending on your bank's processing time.
Privacy Policy
At Uncommon College Counseling LLC (DBA Uncommon Futures), we understand the importance of your privacy and are committed to protecting your personal information. We value the trust you place in us and want to assure you that we handle your information responsibly. Below, we outline our policies on how we collect and treat the information we receive about you.
Information We Collect
We collect nonpublic personal information about you solely to provide our services and to communicate with you. This information may include:
Information provided by you (such as your name, contact details, academic status, test scores, transcripts, and other relevant data).
Information about your relationship and past interactions with us (such as the services you've received and payment history).
Information obtained with your consent from third parties (such as banks, schools, and employers).
Additionally, when you visit our website (www.uncommoncollegecounseling.com), we collect log data and use cookies.
As a counseling company, we may also handle non-financial information about you, such as demographic details, academic history, and personal identity markers, to effectively provide our services. By providing this information, you consent to its use and storage by us. If you wish to update or delete any information you've provided, please contact us.
Sharing of Information
We only use the information we collect to deliver our services to you. Non-financial personal information may be shared with others (such as parents, educators, colleges, or employers) when necessary for the services provided or with your consent. During our engagement, you may also choose to share information with others voluntarily.
For current and former clients, we do not disclose nonpublic information unless authorized by you. We may share personal information and materials, such as college admission essays or testimonials, with your consent for marketing purposes or to provide our services. We may also use non-identifiable aggregate information for research and marketing.
As mandated reporters under Massachusetts law, we will report any instances of child abuse or neglect.
Security Measures
We maintain electronic and procedural safeguards to protect your information in compliance with professional standards. Access to information is restricted to authorized personnel, who are required to maintain its confidentiality.
Payment transactions made through www.uncommoncollegecounseling.com use encryption software provided by Squarespace. Transactions via Venmo, check, or cash are at your own risk.
Despite our security measures, information shared online is not entirely secure, and any information you provide is done at your own risk.
For questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy, please contact us at info@uncommoncollegecounseling.com.
Conditions and Terms of Service
Last updated: January 2025
AGREEMENT TO OUR LEGAL TERMS
We are Uncommon College Counseling LLC (DBA Uncommon Futures) (“Uncommon Futures,” “we,” “our,” or “us”), providing college counseling and gap year counseling services. This agreement outlines the terms and conditions governing your use of our services. By accessing or using our website, www.uncommoncollegecounseling.com (the “Site”), or any related products and services (collectively, the “Services”), you agree to comply with and be bound by these legal terms. If you do not agree with these terms, you are prohibited from using our Services.
Supplemental Terms and Changes
These legal terms incorporate any supplemental terms or documents posted on our Services. We reserve the right to modify these terms at any time, with or without notice. It is your responsibility to review these terms periodically. Your continued use of the Services after any modifications constitutes acceptance of the revised terms.
Our Services
Uncommon College Counseling LLC (DBA Uncommon Futures) offers personalized college counseling services to assist students in their college application process. Our services include college list building, application strategy, essay coaching, interview preparation, and more, as outlined in the specific service packages we offer.
In addition, we offer gap year counseling to help students plan and implement a productive and meaningful gap year experience. This service includes gap year research, program selection, travel logistics, getting travel insurance, pre-departure support, and ongoing support during the gap year itself (based on package).
Please note that each service package is specific to the academic year, calendar year, or grade level indicated. For example, if a student signs up for the 11th grade College Counseling Package, this package covers only 11th-grade services. A separate agreement must be made for 12th-grade counseling or other subsequent services. Enrolling in one package does not guarantee a spot in future years. Families must re-enroll and make a separate payment for services each year.
While we strive to provide accurate and valuable guidance, we do not guarantee admission to any college or university. Our role is to assist and guide students through the college application process, but final decisions are made by the respective institutions.
Gap Year Counseling – Additional Terms and Liability
Scope of Gap Year Counseling Services
Uncommon College Counseling LLC (DBA Uncommon Futures) offers guidance and planning support for students taking a gap year, including identifying and applying to external programs, assisting with travel arrangements, and recommending travel insurance. However, all decisions related to program selection, travel arrangements, and participation in gap year activities are the responsibility of the student and their family.
Liability Disclaimer for Gap Year Activities
While we strive to provide thorough and careful guidance, Uncommon Futures cannot be held liable for any issues or challenges that arise during the student’s gap year. This includes, but is not limited to, issues with third-party programs, travel complications, health and safety concerns, or other unforeseen circumstances. Clients are encouraged to research and vet any third-party programs thoroughly before committing. Uncommon Futures is not responsible for the execution, quality, or outcomes of any gap year programs or activities outside of our consulting services.
Third-Party Program Disclaimer
Uncommon Futures does not endorse or control any third-party programs or services that are recommended as part of the gap year planning process. Any agreements, expectations, and responsibilities related to third-party programs must be handled directly between the student/family and the program providers. Uncommon Futures will not be liable for any issues arising from a student’s participation in such programs.
Travel Risks & Travel Insurance
Though Uncommon Futures assists in selecting appropriate travel insurance and providing general travel advice, we are not responsible for any travel-related incidents, including delays, cancellations, accidents, or medical emergencies during the gap year. Clients are strongly encouraged to consult with insurance providers to ensure comprehensive coverage.
Ongoing Support During Gap Year
Uncommon Futures offers ongoing support during the gap year; however, this support is limited to troubleshooting logistical issues, providing occasional guidance, and offering advice as needed. We do not assume responsibility for the student’s daily activities, personal decisions, or the performance of third-party programs. Should unforeseen circumstances arise during the gap year, we will provide guidance to the best of our ability, but we do not accept responsibility for the resolution of these matters.
Health and Safety
While we provide advice and planning assistance, Uncommon Futures cannot guarantee the health or safety of the student during their gap year. We encourage all students to follow appropriate safety protocols, take necessary health precautions, and secure necessary medical documentation and vaccinations prior to travel. We also recommend that students consult with a physician or health professional regarding travel and health considerations.
Program Acceptance
Acceptance into gap year programs or opportunities is not guaranteed by Uncommon Futures. Our role is to assist in researching and applying for opportunities, but we cannot guarantee that a student will be accepted or that they will meet the specific criteria required by any given program. All final decisions regarding program acceptance are made by the third-party providers.
Governing Law and Dispute Resolution
These legal terms are governed by the laws of Massachusetts. Any disputes arising from these terms will be resolved through binding arbitration, except for certain excluded disputes.
Indemnification
You agree to indemnify and hold Uncommon College Counseling LLC (DBA Uncommon Futures) harmless from any claims arising from your use of our Services or your breach of these legal terms.
Intellectual Property Rights
All content and materials provided through our Services, including but not limited to text, graphics, and trademarks, are owned or licensed by Uncommon College Counseling LLC (DBA Uncommon Futures) and are protected by copyright and trademark laws.
You are granted a limited license to access and use our Services for personal or internal business purposes only. Any unauthorized use of our content or trademarks is strictly prohibited.
User Representations
By using our Services, you represent and warrant that all information you provide is accurate and that you will comply with these legal terms. You agree not to use our Services for any illegal or unauthorized purposes.
User Registration
Some features of our Services may require registration. You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account information and agree to accept responsibility for all activities that occur under your account.
Prohibited Activities
You agree not to misuse our Services or engage in any prohibited activities, including disparaging Uncommon College Counseling LLC (DBA Uncommon Futures) or using our Services for unlawful purposes.
Third-Party Content
Our Services may contain links to third-party websites or content. We are not responsible for the content or practices of these third-party sites and do not endorse their products or services.
Services Management
We reserve the right to monitor and manage our Services to ensure compliance with these terms and protect our rights and property.
Term and Termination
These legal terms remain in effect as long as you use our Services. We reserve the right to terminate or suspend your access to the Services at any time for any reason.
Modifications and Interruptions
We may modify, suspend, or discontinue our Services at any time without notice. We are not liable for any loss or inconvenience resulting from interruptions or modifications to our Services.
Refund Policy and Services Cancellation
Services are non-transferable between different packages or academic years. If you enroll in the 11th grade College Counseling Package, that package will cover services only for the 11th grade, and a separate package must be purchased for 12th-grade counseling or beyond.
Enrolling in a specific package does not guarantee availability for future counseling services. Spots for subsequent academic years are subject to availability and require a separate agreement.
If you wish to cancel services after enrollment, please refer to our Refund Policy, which will determine the refund based on the timing of service delivery.
Corrections
We strive to provide accurate information, but errors may occur. We reserve the right to correct any errors or inaccuracies in our Services.
Disclaimer
Our Services are provided “as is” without warranties of any kind. We are not liable for any damages resulting from your use of our Services.
Limitation of Liability
In no event will Uncommon College Counseling LLC (DBA Uncommon Futures) be liable for any damages arising from your use of our Services. Our liability is limited to the amount paid by you for our Services.
Indemnification
You agree to indemnify and hold Uncommon College Counseling LLC (DBA Uncommon Futures) harmless from any claims arising from your use of our Services or your breach of these legal terms.
User Data
We may collect and store data related to your use of our Services. You are responsible for maintaining the security of your data.
Electronic Communications and Signatures
By using our Services, you consent to receive electronic communications and agree to electronic signatures and transactions.
California Users and Residents
California users may contact the California Department of Consumer Affairs for assistance with any complaints regarding our Services.
Miscellaneous
These legal terms constitute the entire agreement between you and Uncommon College Counseling LLC (DBA Uncommon Futures). Any failure to enforce these terms does not waive our rights.
Contact Us
If you have any questions or concerns about these legal terms or our Services, please contact us at info@uncommoncollegecounseling.com.