What we collect, what we don't, and how third-party services like Google Analytics and Google AdSense are used on this site.
Last updated: August 19, 2026
CommonDataSets ("we," "us," or "this site") is an independent, non-commercial-in-purpose project that publishes publicly available university admissions data. This Privacy Policy explains what information is collected when you visit the site, how it's used, and what choices you have. We do not require an account to use this site, and we do not knowingly collect names, email addresses, or other information that directly identifies you.
We collect two categories of information:
We do not operate user accounts, do not collect payment information, and do not knowingly collect sensitive personal information of any kind.
This site uses cookies and similar technologies placed by us and by the third-party services described below. Cookies are small text files stored on your device that allow a site or service to recognize your browser across visits. You can disable cookies through your browser settings, though some site functionality may not work as intended if you do.
We rely on the following third-party services, each of which may set its own cookies and process data under its own privacy policy:
You can opt out of personalized advertising from Google by visiting Google Ad Settings, and you can opt out of personalized advertising from other participating companies through the Digital Advertising Alliance's opt-out page. Most browsers also let you block or delete cookies directly in their settings.
Aggregated analytics data is used only to understand how the site is used and to guide improvements — for example, which schools or comparison features are most useful to visitors. We do not sell personal information, and we do not share data with third parties beyond the service providers named above, except where required by law.
Analytics data is retained according to Google Analytics' standard retention settings. Locally stored favorites and history remain in your browser indefinitely until you clear your browser data or remove them yourself; we have no access to this information and no ability to delete it on your behalf.
This site is not directed at children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us so we can address it.
This site is operated from the United States. If you access the site from outside the United States, your information may be processed in the United States and other countries where our service providers operate, which may have different data protection laws than your home jurisdiction.
Depending on where you live, you may have rights under applicable law (such as the GDPR or CCPA) to request access to, correction of, or deletion of personal information we hold about you, or to opt out of certain data processing. Because we do not collect directly identifying information ourselves, most such requests are best directed to the third-party service in question (for example, Google) using the tools linked above. You're welcome to contact us as well, and we'll assist where we're able to.
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time as the site or the services it relies on change. The "Last updated" date at the top of this page reflects the most recent revision. Continued use of the site after a change means you accept the updated policy.
Questions about this Privacy Policy can be sent to [contact email].