FAQ for Potential Experts

A: First, upon reviewing a client’s request, we provide an anonymous, abbreviated synopsis of the appropriate Expert’s background to our client for their review. If a client chooses to move forward, Aristotle Circle then accepts payment in advance that is held in escrow until the consultation has been completed. Then, Aristotle Circle provides the client with the expert’s Aristotle Circle-specific contact information, allowing the client to contact the expert to set up a mutually agreed upon consultation time. Following the consultation, we ask both parties to assess the quality of the service. Finally, upon submission of our online invoice form, the Expert receives payment, typically within 10 days of invoice submission.

A: There are many reasons an expert may choose to remain anonymous. For example, an independent special needs expert or retired/former admissions professional may choose to be known but active administrators or teachers may choose to be anonymous and communicate with parents only via email or telephone. If you choose to remain anonymous, we will verify your identity and credentials as we do with all experts. We then create an anonymous profile that will be sent to parents interested in your areas of expertise and assign you an Aristotle Circle username/alias and email address. Once a parent chooses to consult with you, we provide your anonymous Aristotle Circle contact information. Many parents value their anonymity as well as it enables them to ask sensitive questions that they might otherwise be uncomfortable asking.

A: No. Your profile and personal information are not searchable and will not be released without your express permission. If you choose to remain anonymous, only you can tell people that you are an Aristotle Circle Expert. If you do not want to remain anonymous, only clients who have selected you to be a service provider and put a payment in escrow will be given your contact information unless you choose to be a Featured Expert. The only way in which your information will be publicly shared is if you choose to be a Featured Expert. Additionally, many of our members donate pro bono services to underprivileged families and students via our charitable partnerships. Only you will know whether you are providing pro bono, for-pay, or a mix of services.

A: On your Aristotle Circle Expert application you may list specific topics about which you will not speak due to conflicts of interest. Aristotle Circle informs clients that the topics you indicated are off limits during your consultation. As part of our Terms & Conditions, all clients agree to respect your confidentiality and conflict of interest boundaries and understand that you cannot respond to questions about confidential topics.

A: As per our Terms & Conditions, if an answer to a question requires you to disclose confidential information or a conflict of interest, you must not answer the question. You should indicate that you cannot respond and the client should respect your confidentiality obligations. If the client persists, you should end the call and notify Aristotle Circle.

A: After completing a consultation, experts log into our system to submit an invoice for their time at the previously agreed upon rate. Aristotle Circle will issue payment typically within 10 days of invoice.

A: No. You may accept or decline any consulting opportunity at your discretion.

A: In the majority of circumstances, no preparation is necessary. Our clients are looking for experts’ overall expertise and insight to supplement other research. Experts shall not be compensated for research outside of consultations.

A: On occasion, Aristotle Circle conducts public and private surveys. Experts may choose to participate in the survey for an agreed-upon fee. In the uncommon case where follow-up work is requested, Aristotle Circle will negotiate a separate pricing structure between the client and expert.

A: We respect your privacy and keep your personal information confidential. Your information is never sold to a third party.

A: Aristotle Circle strongly believes in investing in future thought leaders and that all children should have the opportunity to achieve their highest potential. To this end, we have partnered with the I Have a Dream Foundation to identify promising students from underprivileged families. Aristotle Circle donates up to 10% of its profits to provide services to these students and their families. Additionally, a number of our experts donate their services to help these students secure placement at elite private schools and colleges. If you are willing to donate services, please indicate so on the application form. Aristotle Circle will always contact you for your approval prior to scheduling a pro-bono service.