On a whim, Kate Squillace, a 2004 graduate of Gloucester High School, applied to be part of the cast of "Bad Girls Club," a reality television show.

She had just finished classes at Boston College for the semester and was looking for jobs online.

"I saw the ad on Craigslist and it was very last minute. I was going to do it for fun and applied online," she said. "I've always been interested in reality television."

Four days after an online interview in June, she was on an airplane flying to California for an extensive interview process.

Squillace, the only child of former Gloucester Mayor William Squillace, was cast as one of the show's seven women, who range in age from 21 to 27. The Oxygen network reality series returns for its fourth season starting Dec. 1.

The show brings the self-proclaimed "bad girls" together in a Los Angeles mansion, according to the show's promotional materials on the coming season.

"All of the housemates have issues with anger, trust and control that have hindered relationships throughout their lives," the Oxygen promotional release continues. "... As the daughter of a prominent former politician, Kate grew accustomed to life in the spotlight. Pursuing her degree at Boston College, Kate has traded in her small town ways to live life in the fast lane."

Squillace, whose major is marketing with a minor in communications, said the show is not as "bad" as its title makes it seem.

"Basically the definition of a bad girl isn't what most people think. We're not into robbing banks and doing hard drugs," she said in a phone interview. "We're confident women with strong personalities who aren't afraid to speak what's on our minds and have fun.

"Each one of us is completely different," she said. "I know the title comes off in a bad way but it was a positive experience. I learned a lot about myself in that three-month period. You're forced to learn a lot about yourself."

The first day of filming was June 27, which was the day Squillace turned 23. The 10 weeks of filming ended over the summer. There will be 13 episodes.

Asked what her parents thought about her new role, Squillace said it took some time for them to get used to the idea.

"At first, when I brought it up during the casting process, they were cautious of me proceeding," she said. "But after they learned what the definition of a 'bad girl' was on the show — just a strong woman who is not afraid of anything and will stick up for themselves — and the more I got involved with the show, the more they liked it. They had a lot of faith in me."

Overall, she said it was a great experience to go outside of Gloucester and get to know another part of the country. Squillace will soon move to Boston and finish her last semester to complete her undergraduate degree at Boston College.

"Public relations is my dream job," she said.

Squillace said she had been offered an internship with ESPN magazine, but opted to do the reality TV show instead.

Her role in the cast of this year's "Bad Girls Club" marks the second major reality TV appearance by a Gloucester High graduate this year. Emilee Fitzpatrick, a 2005 GHS graduate who now lists her address as South Hamilton, was in the cast of MTV's "Real World Cancun," which aired earlier this year.

The Oxygen Web site indicates that this season of "Bad Girls Club" takes "bad behavior to the next level with a cast of young women who are independent, spirited, and endlessly entertaining. ... drama reigns supreme. All the girls have a unique story, point of view and attitude — as well as some kind of personal issue that makes them far from perfect. Will living together help them move forward and turn their lives around — or will chaos rule?"

Squillace said the viewers can expect an exciting program.

"It was a crazy experience," she said noting that Oxygen is Channel 159 in Gloucester. "If you haven't tuned in, you should because it's an exciting take on the lives of completely different women and how they react in different situations living the Hollywood lifestyle.

"It was like living the dream."

Gail McCarthy may be contacted at 978-283-7000 x3445 or gmccarthy@gloucestertimes.com.