App Lab jumpstarts college application process
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More than a week before the start of the school year, nearly 100 incoming Upper St. Clair High School seniors participated in a morning-long App Lab workshop designed to jumpstart the college application process.
The event, held Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025, in the high school library, marked the school’s first dedicated workshop of its kind.
Students rotated through three 50-minute sessions focused on key components of the application process:
- Common App & Naviance Integration
- Self-Reported Transcript and Academic Record (STARS), a tool many colleges use in place of transcripts
- College Essay & Activities Résumé
The sessions were led by USCHS school counselors, English Curriculum Leader Melissa Tungate, Pennsylvania Department of Education school counselor advisor Karen Rubican, and guest experts from the University of Pittsburgh.
“School counselors provided technical instruction and support on Naviance, the Common Application, and STARS, ensuring accuracy in the process,” Dr. Jennifer Kirk, school counselor and curriculum leader, said. “Guest experts contributed targeted support with college essays and other required information, offering students individualized feedback and professional insight into presenting their experiences effectively.”
The timing of the App Lab aligned with the opening of the Common Application on Aug. 1, giving seniors a valuable head start, before the academic year began.
“Seniors were able to focus on the college application process before the demands of the academic year began,” Dr. Kirk said. “The timing allowed students to establish a strong foundation in working on and completing applications, essays, and related requirements in advance of upcoming deadlines.”
Students reported that the structured rotations, guided work time, and immediate access to support reduced stress and increased confidence. Many left the workshop with significant progress on applications, essays, and the self-reported transcript and academic record.
“The App Lab helped prevent last-minute challenges in the fall, ensuring students were better prepared to meet college and scholarship deadlines,” Dr. Kirk added.
Given the strong response, the USCHS Counseling Office plans to host the event again next August for the Class of 2027.
- USCHS