Terms of Service

These Terms of Service (“Agreement”) govern the college consulting services provided by Kate Stone Education, LLC (“Company”), a Delaware limited liability company located at 320 Post Rd, Suite 180, Darien, CT 06820, to the student and responsible party who enroll in those services (collectively, “Client” or “Clients”). Company and Client are referred to together as the “Parties.”

The Company provides college consulting services to assist students and their families in navigating the college admissions process, as described in the Services Description provided to the Client and incorporated herein by reference. These terms are incorporated by reference into the Company’s service agreement. By signing that service agreement, the Client agrees to the terms set forth below.

A. Company Responsibilities

The Company shall provide college consulting services, which may include, but are not limited to, the services described below. The specific services provided to each student will vary based on the student’s interests, goals, availability, aptitude, and level of engagement.

Academic Foundation. We emphasize the importance of a strong academic record as the cornerstone of college readiness and strongly encourage students in our program to maintain the highest unweighted GPA possible, while pursuing maximum rigor. For students applying to highly selective schools (under 25% acceptance rate), we recommend maintaining a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.8. We advise students on course selection to ensure appropriate academic rigor and alignment with long-term goals. If a student’s academic performance begins to decline, the Company may recommend temporarily pausing or adjusting services so the student can focus on strengthening their academic foundation. While the Company does not provide academic tutoring, we may recommend outside tutors or academic resources when appropriate. The Company may also provide guidance on executive functioning skills, study strategies, time management, and methods for independently learning material not effectively covered in the classroom.

Community Impact. A core pillar of the Company’s college preparation program is helping students engage meaningfully in their communities in ways that create measurable, positive impact. The Company works with students to identify communities they are already part of, as well as communities they aspire to engage with, and coaches them to thoughtfully identify problems or needs they seek to address within those communities. Emphasis is placed on developing initiatives that grow in scope and responsibility over time, with students learning not only how to contribute to their communities but also how those communities shape their own values, interests, and goals. When appropriate, community engagement may begin at a local level and expand to regional, national, or international efforts based on the student’s interests, capacity, and demonstrated readiness.

Stacks of Evidence. The Company works with students to identify two to three primary areas of interest aligned with potential college majors and future career paths. While foundational participation through classes, clubs, and camps is encouraged, the Company emphasizes deeper, differentiated engagement beyond basic involvement. Coaching focuses on guiding students toward independent studies, personal projects, research, and other self-directed pursuits that challenge students to pursue work larger in scope than they may have initially imagined. The goal is to help students build a compelling stack of evidence that clearly demonstrates sustained interest, initiative, and authenticity in the areas they claim to care about, strengthening their competitiveness for college and beyond.

Branding and Networking. The Company helps students develop clarity around who they are, what they care about, and the story they want to tell, which is essential to both the college admissions process and long-term success. Coaching focuses on helping students articulate their interests, values, and goals in a coherent and authentic way while building the soft skills necessary to communicate effectively and professionally. Students are guided in identifying and cultivating mentors in their areas of interest and in intentionally growing a broader network of students, professionals, and leaders who can provide insight, collaboration, and access to opportunities such as internships, employment, and letters of recommendation. Students will also be encouraged to build a board of advisors to support long-term planning and strategic decision-making.

List Building. We guide students through a research-driven process to explore 50 to 100 colleges, helping them investigate academic programs, alumni networks, campus culture, and social fit. In addition to teaching them how to evaluate schools and plan college visits, we also recommend schools that align with their values, goals, and potential, ensuring a well-balanced, personalized college list.

Application Strategy. We develop a custom admissions plan for each school on a student’s list, advising on optimal application rounds (ED, EA, RD), major selection, and potential double majors or minors that can enhance admissions outcomes. Leveraging our network of admissions directors and current-year insights, we tailor every strategy to what each college is truly looking for.

Essay Writing. We begin with guided brainstorming, often involving parents, to uncover each student’s most compelling stories and angles. Through a dedicated writing curriculum and one-on-one coaching, students learn how to craft standout personal and supplemental essays, including in-depth research and customization for each college’s unique prompts and expectations.

Pre-College Planning. Our work does not end when a student accepts an offer from a college. During the summer following their senior year, we continue to pursue independent studies, special projects, and community impact. We also begin planning for a successful launch at college by reviewing courses, professors, schedule, and how the student will pursue additional opportunities outside of the classroom. Additional summer work may include prep in college-level reading, writing, and core subject areas.

Project Management. We break the application process into manageable tasks with clear, regular deadlines to ensure steady progress and on-time completion. We meet with students at a minimum every other week for 30 minutes to check in on progress, plan next steps, and ensure all action items are being implemented. Depending on student goals and needs, regular check-ins may be scheduled more frequently or for up to 50 minutes instead of 30 minutes.

Unlimited Support. We do not charge by the hour. Instead, students and families have unlimited access to our team throughout the engagement. In addition to regular check-ins, students can also schedule additional sessions for in-depth research and planning. These sessions are scheduled as needed. Support is available via email, phone, text, and Zoom. Please note that meetings may need to be scheduled several days or up to a week or two in advance.

The Company’s role is to provide supplemental support and coaching. Services do not replace the role of school counselors, and the Company strongly encourages Clients to maintain active engagement with their school counselor.

The Company does not guarantee admission to any college or university, as admissions decisions are made solely by educational institutions.

B. Client Responsibilities

Parent/Guardian Responsibilities

  • Review all Company communications within 48 hours and respond promptly as required.
  • Actively engage in discussions regarding college lists, essay drafts, and application strategies to support the student’s progress.
  • Ensure the student adheres to their responsibilities, including attending scheduled meetings, completing action items, and dedicating the required time to college preparation tasks.
  • Promptly address any questions, concerns, or issues with the Company to facilitate effective service delivery.
  • Monitor the student’s compliance with deadlines, communication requirements, and cancellation policies to avoid disruptions or additional charges.

Student Responsibilities

  • Attend all scheduled meetings on time, fully prepared with completed action items.
  • Provide at least 48 hours’ written notice, via email to support@universitygurus.com, for cancellation or rescheduling of sessions. For hourly or pay-as-you-go packages, sessions canceled or rescheduled with less than 48 hours’ notice will be charged at the full rate of $750 per hour.
  • Communicate promptly with the Company via email or text for assistance, clarification, or updates.
  • Dedicate a minimum of 1 to 10 hours per week to college preparation tasks during the college prep and college list-building phase, and 3 to 10 hours per week to essay writing during the essay phase.
  • Complete all essays by December 1 of senior year. No essay writing support will be provided after that point.

Failure by the parent/guardian or student to meet these responsibilities may reduce the effectiveness of the Company’s services. The Company reserves the right to suspend or terminate services for repeated non-compliance, with no refund for services already rendered. The parent/guardian acknowledges their role in ensuring the student’s adherence to these obligations to achieve the desired outcomes.

C. Privacy Policy

The Company shall protect and keep confidential all information provided by the Client, including student records, contact information, and proprietary materials shared during the consulting process. We will only use the information provided for the purpose of fulfilling our obligations under this Agreement. The Company reserves the right to share Client success stories and testimonials. Names and identifying photos will not be disclosed without explicit written permission from the family. All other details may be shared at the Company’s discretion.

The Company complies with applicable federal and state data protection laws. We will not disclose personal information to unaffiliated third parties for marketing or commercial purposes, except where required by law.

The Company uses AI tools and third-party platforms, including session recording software, as part of its standard coaching workflow. We take reasonable steps to protect Client data, but by the nature of these platforms, session information may be processed by third-party providers. By signing the service agreement, Clients acknowledge and consent to this use.

Clients agree to keep all communications and materials shared by the Company confidential and not to disclose them to third parties without written permission.

D. Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

The Company incorporates AI tools as part of our educational process to enhance students’ research and writing skills. We aim to empower students by teaching them how to effectively and ethically use AI for educational purposes.

We may use AI tools to assist students in finding resources, generating research ideas, and organizing information. Students are encouraged to use AI as a starting point for research. However, they must verify any critical or factual information directly with the Company, educational institutions, or other authoritative sources.

The Company has a strict policy against submitting AI-generated content for any part of a student’s college application essays. All written content must be composed in the student’s own language, reflecting their original voice, thoughts, and experiences. This policy applies to students, parents, and Company staff members. Essays submitted as part of the college application process must be the student’s authentic work.

We will teach students best practices for responsible AI use, including understanding AI’s limitations and potential inaccuracies. While AI can provide helpful starting points and suggestions, students are expected to critically assess and fact-check any information obtained through AI tools.

E. Amendment and Modification

This Agreement may only be modified or amended in writing, with the written consent of both Parties. Any changes to this Agreement must be documented and signed by both Parties to be effective.

The Company will notify Clients of any proposed changes to the terms or services. Continued use of the services after receiving notice constitutes acceptance of the modified terms.

F. Termination

Either Party may terminate services within fifteen (15) days of signing the service agreement by providing written notice via email. Termination requests sent by email shall be binding upon acknowledgment of receipt by both Parties.

Upon receipt of a request for termination within the 15-day period, the Company may require the Client to participate in an off-boarding meeting as part of the termination process. The purpose of the off-boarding meeting is to review services provided, fees earned, and the Client’s reason for termination. The Client agrees to participate in such meeting in good faith and to schedule and attend the meeting within five (5) to ten (10) days of the Company’s request, which may be facilitated via a calendar scheduling link.

If services are terminated during that period and the off-boarding meeting is completed as required, the family will be refunded the amount paid, less the hourly rate of $750 for any services already provided by the Company. Services include but are not limited to time spent researching, responding to emails, text messages, and phone calls, and general preparation for student meetings.

Failure or refusal by the Client to participate in the required off-boarding meeting shall result in forfeiture of any refund.

All Parties agree to act in good faith based on the responsibilities and services defined above. Clients understand that the role of the Company is to provide support and assistance with college prep and admissions coaching, and that acceptance to college is not promised or guaranteed. Liability for all services provided shall be limited to payments received.

By signing any service agreement, the Client whose signature is provided will be held accountable for all payments, for any breach of these terms including breaches by the student or other guardian, and for any request to terminate services.

G. Opt-Out

Clients may elect to opt out of continuing services subject to the conditions set forth herein. Opting out is distinct from termination and applies only to the cessation of future services.

A Client seeking to opt out must submit a written request via email no earlier than ninety (90) days prior to the applicable annual renewal date. Any opt-out request, regardless of when submitted, does not alter the Client’s responsibility for all fees due for the then-current service year. The opt-out process, including any required off-boarding meeting, must be completed no later than the applicable annual renewal date in order to avoid renewal or additional charges for the subsequent service year. Requests made outside this timeframe may be permitted at the sole discretion of the Company.

Opt-out is not permitted once the student enters junior year, which for these purposes is defined as August 15 preceding the start of the student’s junior academic year.

Upon receipt of an opt-out request, the Company may require the Client to participate in an off-boarding meeting. The purpose of the meeting is to review services provided, confirm the opt-out, and discuss transition or closure matters. The Client agrees to participate in such meeting in good faith. Opt-out shall not take effect unless and until the off-boarding meeting has occurred.

No refunds shall be issued under any circumstances in connection with an opt-out for services already rendered. Provided the Client’s account is current at the time opt-out becomes effective, no future payments shall be due after the effective opt-out date, and there shall be no circumstance in which the Company is owed additional payment following an approved opt-out.

Opt-out does not relieve the Client of any obligations, responsibilities, or agreements incurred prior to the effective opt-out date and does not permit reinstatement of services except pursuant to a new written agreement.

H. Governing Law and Arbitration

This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Connecticut. Any disputes shall be submitted to the American Arbitration Association and shall be heard before a single judge under the rules of the American Arbitration Association in the State of Connecticut.

Clients agree to indemnify Kate Stone Education, LLC, its officers, directors, employees, and sub-contractors (collectively, “Consultant”) against any and all claims, losses, damages, liabilities, penalties, punitive damages, expenses, reasonable legal fees, and costs of any kind or amount whatsoever arising out of or in any way connected with this engagement or the performance by any of the parties named of the services under this Agreement. This indemnity does not apply to any losses caused by the Company’s negligence, gross negligence, wilful misconduct, or breach of contract or other obligations. The indemnification will survive the termination of services.

I. Scope of Services

These terms authorize Kate Stone Education, LLC to provide counseling and consulting services for college preparation, choice, and success in partnership with the student and responsible party (“Clients”). As independent educational advisors, we aim to empower students by identifying opportunities, then developing a realistic path toward their desired goals. Our services shall in no way replace the role and the work of your school counselor. We strongly encourage you to use our services as a supplement and not as an alternative to your school counselor in the college admissions and advising process.