These Terms of Service apply to this website and to the advising services offered by Simonian College Advising. In these terms, “Simonian College Advising,” “I,” “me,” and “my” refer to Shereen Simonian, who operates Simonian College Advising as an independent service. “You” means a website visitor, a student, or the parent or guardian who signs up for services.
By using this website or signing up for a service, you agree to these terms. Paid services are also covered by a written service agreement. If the service agreement and these terms conflict, the service agreement controls.
1. Who can sign up
If the student is under 18, a parent or legal guardian must sign the service agreement, make payments, and agree to these terms on the student’s behalf. Students under 18 may use this website and submit a consultation request only with a parent or guardian’s knowledge. This website is not intended for children under 13.
2. What Simonian College Advising is
Simonian College Advising provides college application feedback, advising, and planning support. Shereen Simonian is a first-year undergraduate student and a recent California high school graduate.
- Simonian College Advising is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to UC Berkeley, the University of California, or any college or university.
- Shereen Simonian is not a licensed or credentialed counselor, a school counselor, or a former admissions officer.
- Services are educational support only. They are not legal, financial, tax, mental health, or medical advice.
3. Services and deliverables
Each service, its price, what it includes, and its limits are described on theServices & Pricing page and in your service agreement. Services include only what is listed. Additional calls, drafts, or rounds of feedback require a new or upgraded service.
Written feedback is returned within 1 to 3 business days (Monday through Friday) after I receive a complete draft. Turnaround times for each service are listed on the Services & Pricing page.
4. No guarantee of admission
Admission decisions are made solely by colleges and universities. I do not and cannot guarantee admission, scholarships, financial aid, or any other outcome, and my fees are never based on results. Any discussion of a student’s chances at a particular school is an informal estimate, not a prediction.
5. Academic honesty and student authorship
Students must write all of their own essays and application materials. My feedback consists of comments, questions, and suggestions. I do not write, rewrite, or generate essay text, and I do not edit text directly in a student’s documents.
- Students and families are responsible for making sure every application is accurate, honest, and the student’s own work.
- Students should follow each college’s rules, including rules on the use of AI tools.
- I will never log in to a student’s application accounts or submit anything on a student’s behalf.
If I’m asked to write a student’s work, to include false information, or to act in a way that would break a college’s rules, I may decline and end the service under section 9.
6. Fees and payment
- Prices are listed on the Services & Pricing page and confirmed in your service agreement.
- One-time services are paid in full before work begins.
- Monthly advising plans are invoiced at the start of each month. They never renew or charge automatically; a plan continues only when you pay the next month’s invoice.
- For students under 18, payment must come from a parent or guardian.
- Prices may change, but a change will never apply to a period you have already paid for.
7. Cancellations and refunds
- Before work begins: you can cancel for a full refund.
- After the first round of feedback is delivered: payments are not refundable.
- Monthly plans: you can stop at any time by letting me know or by not paying the next invoice.
- If I end a service for any reason, including under section 9, I refund the portion of the service I have not yet delivered. Work already delivered is not refunded.
- If I miss a promised turnaround time, you can choose to wait for that round of feedback or cancel it for a refund of that round. Once a round is delivered, it is not refundable.
Rescheduling calls
- You can reschedule any call at no cost with at least 24 hours’ notice.
- Each student gets one grace no-show per month (for monthly plans) or per package (for one-time services): a call missed without notice can be rescheduled once.
- After that, a call missed without 24 hours’ notice counts as used.
- If I need to reschedule, I will always offer a new time, and the call is never lost.
8. Communication, conduct, and recordings
- Meetings take place by video call.
- For students under 18, a parent or guardian is copied on scheduling emails and is welcome to join any call.
- I communicate with students only through business email and scheduled calls, not personal social media or text messages.
- Everyone is expected to communicate respectfully.
- Calls are not recorded. A call may be recorded only with the written consent of the parent or guardian and the verbal consent of everyone on the call, as California law requires consent from all parties.
9. Ending services
You may end services at any time under the cancellation terms in section 7. I may end services if these terms or the service agreement are not followed, if communication becomes disrespectful or unsafe, or if continuing would be inconsistent with section 5. I will tell you in writing if I end a service.
10. Student work and website content
Students own their essays and application materials. My written feedback is provided for the student’s personal use in their own applications. The text and design of this website belong to Simonian College Advising and may not be copied for commercial use without permission.
11. Privacy and safety
How I handle personal information is described in the Privacy Policy. If a student shares something that suggests they or someone else may be in danger, I may share crisis resources, contact a parent or guardian, or contact emergency services when I believe in good faith that it is necessary to protect someone’s safety.
12. Website information
Information on this website is general and may not apply to every student. College policies, deadlines, and requirements change often, so always confirm details with each college. The website is provided “as is,” without warranties of any kind.
13. Limitation of liability
To the fullest extent the law allows, Simonian College Advising is not liable for admission decisions, missed deadlines caused by information outside my control, or indirect or consequential damages. My total liability for any claim related to a service will not exceed the amount you paid for that service.
14. Disputes and governing law
These terms are governed by California law. If a problem comes up, please contact me first so we can try to resolve it informally. If we can’t, either of us may bring a claim in small claims court where eligible, or in the courts of the county where the client lives.
15. Changes to these terms
I may update these terms. The effective date at the top of the page shows the latest version. Changes do not apply to a service period that has already been paid for unless you agree in writing.
16. Contact
Questions about these terms: [email protected]