Privacy policy.
How Better TOEFL Scores handles the information you share when you send a sample, subscribe, or visit this site.
Who runs this site
This site is owned and operated by Michael Buckhoff, a TOEFL coach and university English instructor based in Hesperia, California, United States. The business operates under the name Better TOEFL Scores.
For any privacy questions, email mbuckhoff@aol.com.
What information we collect
We only collect what we need to deliver the service.
- Contact information. When you send a sample or subscribe, we collect your name and email address so we can reply.
- Speaking and Writing samples. Audio recordings, written drafts, and any text you submit through the sample form, including any audio link you provide.
- Payment information. If you subscribe, payment is processed by PayPal. We do not store credit card numbers on this site. PayPal handles all card data under their own privacy policy.
- Usage data. Pages you visit, time on site, device and browser type, and approximate location (country and region) collected through Google Analytics 4 and Google Search Console.
- Cookies. Small text files stored in your browser. Used for session preferences, analytics, and (once approved) advertising via Google AdSense.
How we use information
- To grade your TOEFL Speaking or Writing samples and send you feedback.
- To process subscription payments through PayPal.
- To improve the site, identify popular content, and fix problems.
- To send important account or service updates if you have subscribed.
- To comply with legal obligations.
We do not sell your personal information to third parties.
Third parties we use
- Google Analytics + Google Search Console. Site usage analytics. Google's privacy policy: policies.google.com/privacy.
- Google AdSense. Used to display ads (once approved). Google may use cookies to serve ads based on your prior visits. You can opt out at google.com/settings/ads.
- PayPal. Subscription and payment processing. Privacy policy: paypal.com/us/legalhub/privacy-full.
- WordPress + HostGator. Site hosting and content management.
- Site Kit. Google-provided WordPress plugin used to connect Analytics and Search Console.
- WPForms. Form submission handling for samples.
Cookies and tracking
This site uses cookies to remember your preferences, run analytics, and (once active) serve advertising. The cookie consent banner that appears on your first visit lets you accept or reject non-essential cookies. Essential cookies required for the site to function are always set.
You can clear cookies in your browser settings at any time.
Children
This service is intended for students preparing for the TOEFL, typically 16 years and older. We do not knowingly collect information from children under 13. If you believe a child under 13 has submitted information, email mbuckhoff@aol.com and we will delete it.
Your rights
You have the right to request access to, correction of, or deletion of your personal information. To exercise these rights, email mbuckhoff@aol.com with the subject line “Privacy request.”
If you are in the European Economic Area, United Kingdom, or California, additional rights may apply under GDPR or CCPA. We honor those requests regardless of your location.
How long we keep your information
Sample submissions and feedback exchanges are retained for as long as your subscription is active, and for up to two years afterward, for educational reference and continuity. Analytics data is retained per Google's default settings (14 months at the time of writing).
Security
This site uses HTTPS for all traffic. Form submissions are encrypted in transit. Account access to the WordPress admin uses strong passwords and application-password authentication. We cannot guarantee perfect security, but we follow current industry practices.
Changes to this policy
We may update this policy from time to time. The “Last updated” date above will change when we do. For material changes, we will note them at the top of this page for at least 30 days.
Contact
For privacy questions, deletion requests, or anything else covered by this policy, email mbuckhoff@aol.com with “Privacy” in the subject line.