One of the main benefits that LoCasto, a psychology major, said she took away from the summer program was meeting faculty who helped prepare her for college.

“I was able to work with multiple Quinnipiac students and faculty to help me develop a strong and professional elevator pitch,” said LoCasto. “I was also able to upgrade my college letters, to sound more mature and put together.”

Since enrolling at Quinnipiac, LoCasto has reconnected with many of the faculty she met during the pre-college summer program.

“During the 2025 Orientation, I had the wonderful opportunity of working with the faculty of the School of Health Sciences — the same faculty from my summer program. We were able to reconnect and talk,” said LoCasto.

The program also gave LoCasto the opportunity to discover the opportunities available at Quinnipiac.

“I chose Quinnipiac because I love the wide variety of programs they have. I also fell in love with the university and knew I could see myself living here,” said LoCasto. “I also knew from the summer program that the professors were kind and supportive and would help me grow as a student.”

LoCasto now works as a counselor for the pre-college summer program and helps high school students determine what career path or university will be the best fit for them.

Her message to high school students enrolling in the pre-college summer program is clear.

“Keep an open mind. Talk to everyone. Even if they are someone from a field you don’t want to go into — talk to them anyway. You will learn so much, but you have to take the step and start the conversation,” said LoCasto.