Cookie Policy
Effective date: 26/06/2026
Cookie Policy overview
This policy explains what cookies and similar storage technologies are, and exactly how GradGuide uses them. It lists the cookies and browser storage we actually set, what each one is for, how long it lasts, and how you can control your choices.
Cookies and browser storage are small pieces of data placed on your device by your browser. They help keep you signed in, make features such as the Aurora chat work, and, only with your permission, help us measure traffic and run marketing.
How we use cookies
We use strictly necessary storage to keep you signed in and remember your cookie choice, functional storage to run features (including for visitors who are not logged in), and analytics and marketing technologies only after you choose “Accept all”. Until then, all analytics and marketing tags stay disabled.
Types of cookies and storage we use
Strictly necessary
Required for the website to work, to keep you securely signed in, and to remember your consent. These are always on and cannot be switched off.
| Name | Duration | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| refreshToken | Until you log out or it expires | Keeps you securely signed in (rotating session refresh token). |
| cookiesStatus | Until you clear it | Remembers your cookie choice so we don’t ask on every visit. |
| user_cookie_id | Until you clear it | A random identifier that links your session and helps prevent automated abuse and misuse. |
| aurora_gdpr_consent | Until you clear it | Records that you accepted processing for the Aurora AI chat. |
Functional
Used to run features such as the Aurora chat for visitors who are not logged in. Stored in your browser only.
| Name | Duration | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| aurora_anonymous_chats | Until cleared or migrated on login | Stores your Aurora chat history while you are not logged in. |
| aurora_message_count | Until you clear it | Counts messages to apply fair-use limits. |
Analytics & marketing
Set only after you choose “Accept all”, through Google Tag Manager with Google Consent Mode v2, except the OpenAI pixel, whose script we do not even load until you have accepted. These partners set their own cookies under their own policies.
| Provider | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Google (Analytics / Ads) | Measure traffic and campaign performance (Google Analytics / Ads). |
| Meta (Facebook) Pixel | Measure and target marketing (Meta / Facebook Pixel). |
| TikTok Pixel | Measure and target marketing (TikTok Pixel). |
| LinkedIn Insight Tag | Measure and target marketing (LinkedIn Insight Tag). |
| OpenAI (ChatGPT Ads) | Measure which ChatGPT ads lead to sign-ups and purchases (OpenAI measurement pixel). This pixel also sends OpenAI an encrypted (hashed) form of contact details you enter, so it can match you to an ad you clicked. |
Related server-side record
We keep a server-side record that links your random cookie identifier to your consent choice and, if you log in, to your account, together with a technical device fingerprint. We use this only to remember your consent and to detect and prevent abuse, never for advertising.
Manage your cookie preferences
You can change or withdraw your choice at any time. Use the “Cookie Settings” link in the footer of any page, or, if you have an account, the “Cookie preferences” card under Settings. You can also clear cookies and site data in your browser. Withdrawing consent stops further analytics and marketing tags immediately.
Most browsers also let you block or delete cookies. See your browser’s support pages for instructions: