Instead, Tai and John were surprised to learn they were the first two students admitted to Quinnipiac for the Fall 2026 semester.

Tai and John were met with waving pom-poms, clanging cowbells and raucous cheers by their families and representatives of Quinnipiac’s admissions team, after weeks of planning with the two high schools.

“I was shocked, but I’m so happy,” said Tai, an incoming psychology major who impressed Undergraduate Admissions with her academic record and her Dungeons & Dragons essay. “I really like the campus and the small size of the classes. Everything just feels perfect.”

Her mother, Kristi Little, agreed.

“This a great day for our family,” she said. “We visited Quinnipiac three times — two open houses and an official campus visit. And, each time, it just felt like home for her.”

The Salgado family felt the same way about the Quinnipiac community and the opportunity that awaits John next fall.

“I just really like everything about it,” said John, an incoming 3+3 accelerated dual-degree law in society major. “I remember writing in my college essay: I’ll debate my parents about what we are having for dinner. I just like to debate. And I knew this law program would be the perfect fit for me.”

Among all the smiles and photos, one voice boomed, “Attorney Salgado!” It had a nice ring to it. Starting next fall, the dream of practicing law will be just six years away for John.

“He had no idea this was happening today,” said Elizabeth Salgado, John’s mother. “We’re so happy and so excited for him. It’s just wonderful.”

At each school, Chief Experience Officer Tom Ellett greeted the students with the good news. Ellett presented Tai and John with a Willy Wonka-like golden ticket that entitles them to select the residence hall of their choice next fall.

“This is the best day of the year for us,” said Ellett, encouraging Tai and John to wear their brand-new Quinnipiac T-shirts with pride.

Liz Ludovico, executive director of admission, presented each student with an official letter of admission that included a merit scholarship.

At Hamden High, as the Little family gathered for a photo with Quinnipiac officials, Tai’s father, Tyrone Little, smiled and said, “C’mon in closer. We’re family now.”

Indeed you are.

Tai’s grandmother, Edith Story, was just as delighted by the news. “This was a surprise for me, too. I didn’t know anything about it until today,” she said. “I’m so, so proud of her. It’s just wonderful.”

As the Little family began leaving the conference room at Hamden High, Kristi Little smiled at her daughter. “Are you feeling a little better now?” she asked.

Tai just smiled and nodded. And smiled again. 

In Focus