Student Profiles

Name: Kunal Bhandari
Program: Political Science

Kunal BhandariWhy did you choose UMBC at The Universities at Shady Grove?

UMBC at The Universities at Shady Grove is a great honors university that offers a great teacher to student ratio, great faculty, helpful and reliable academic resources, opportunities, and is in the perfect location for Montgomery County residents. I live and work in Montgomery County. The ability to attend a University System of Maryland school without traveling to College Park or Baltimore gave me the chance to remain active in my job, yet still keep up with my academic commitments.

What do you like best about UMBC-Shady Grove?

I like the class sizes. I am able to communicate with my teachers and have effective relationships that enhance both my abilities to learn and to get questions and concerns answered immediately. I know friends at larger campuses who do not enjoy this luxury because they attend classes with hundreds of students in a room each semester. These professors do not get to know each student individually. I feel that the professors are more approachable at USG and they maintain a personal, yet professional, relationship with their students, which enhances the quality of education. It allows for more individual attention and time for questions from students in the classroom compared to large lecture halls filled with hundreds of students.

What internships and/or extracurricular activities have you been involved with at UMBC-Shady Grove?

I am the president of the UMBC-Shady Grove Political Science Society (PSS). We have brought together a diverse crowd of talented individuals who share a great interest in politics. We have had events to encourage political involvement for both political scientists and students from other majors through panel discussions.

What are your plans after graduation?

I am currently a commercial and real estate settlement officer. I plan to attend law school and go into private practice to put my skills and experience to work as an Attorney at Law.

What advice would you give to a prospective student?

I would tell the student to choose the atmosphere they feel they would learn the best in. It is really nice to have the outstanding majors offered at schools in the University System of Maryland in small class settings at USG. If you are looking for a more focused classroom experience, USG is the place to be. There is definitely more interaction in the classroom and the student body has great connections amongst peers. Often times, you are moving through the same classes with other students, which is great because you make friends and study buddies. If you are looking for a close student body with supportive peers, USG is definitely the place for you.