Scope
This Privacy Policy explains how AppealU handles information in its website, accounts and educational appeal preparation services. It applies to student accounts, family accounts and personnel using the system. Acknowledging this policy confirms that you have reviewed it; it is not a blanket waiver of privacy rights or consent to every optional use.
Information we collect
We collect information you provide such as your name, email, phone number, state, account type, family relationship and telephone verification PIN. Student details may include date of birth, college and classification. Cases may contain academic information, financial circumstances, school notices, sensitive personal circumstances, documents, photographs, videos, appeal drafts and conversations. Support records may include requests, responses and account-verification activity.
We also record operational information such as account and session activity, login times, available IP addresses, security actions, policy acknowledgments, case activity, invoice records and delivery history. Authentication and session storage support secure sign-in. Do not upload sensitive information that is unrelated to your appeal or information you are not authorized to provide.
Why we use information
We use information to create and maintain accounts, identify linked participants, prepare school-specific appeals, review evidence and policies, communicate with you, manage invoices and support requests, deliver case files, verify account actions, prevent misuse and maintain activity records. We also use it to meet legal obligations and respond to appropriate requests. The legal grounds and rights that apply depend on your location and the circumstances.
Access and sharing
Authorized AppealU personnel receive access appropriate to their work and assignments. Linked students and family members receive permitted case information; private conversations are not automatically shared or merged. We use service providers for hosting, authentication, private storage, email delivery and AI-assisted processing. Relevant information may be processed by these providers to deliver the service. We may disclose information when required by law or reasonably necessary to address fraud, security threats or protect rights. A business transition may require a transfer subject to appropriate protections.
We do not use these terms to authorize selling your personal information. We do not submit information to a school on your behalf merely because you create an account; school disclosure requires the relevant service arrangement and any permissions required. Links to institution websites are governed by those sites’ own privacy practices.
AI-assisted preparation
Authorized personnel may use AI-assisted tools to extract readable document text, identify relevant policy passages and propose case drafts or actions. Relevant case information may be sent to an AI service provider for processing. Output may be incomplete or inaccurate and requires review. AppealU’s case system uses prior outcomes as reference context rather than retraining its own model on your case. This statement does not promise a third-party provider retention or training practice beyond the applicable provider arrangements. Ask support about your concerns before submitting sensitive materials.
Security and verification
We use restricted access, private file storage and activity records to protect information, but no system can guarantee absolute security. Telephone PINs and reset confirmation codes are stored as hashes, not readable account fields. Private ticket PIN-reset forms do not reveal entered digits to support representatives. During a phone-assisted reset, you may choose to read the emailed confirmation code and your new PIN to the representative. Do not send passwords or verification codes in ordinary chat messages.
Retention
Information is retained as needed to provide services, maintain legitimate case and security records, handle disputes and meet applicable obligations. Retention depends on the type of information and the reason it is held; these policies do not promise a fixed deletion date. Backup copies and records needed for legal or security purposes may remain after account closure. Contact support for a request relating to your account or records.
Your requests and choices
You may ask about access, correction, account closure or deletion through AppealU support. Depending on applicable law, you may have additional rights such as objection, restriction, portability or withdrawal of optional consent. We may need to verify your identity and may be required to retain certain records. Requests from family members do not automatically authorize access to another person’s private account or school records. Essential account and case communications may be necessary to provide the services.
Age and international processing
AppealU is intended for college-related appeals, not for services directed to children under 13. If information about a child has been submitted improperly, contact support. If a student is a minor, any necessary authority or consent must be provided by the appropriate person. Providers may process information in locations outside your state or country, subject to their service arrangements and applicable requirements.
Policy updates and contact
Each published update has a version and effective date. You must acknowledge the current Privacy Policy and Terms of Service before continuing to account services. This requirement does not remove any privacy rights. Contact AppealU through your account’s Support page for privacy questions or requests.