Hello, everyone, I'm a hardcore lurker who has greatly enjoyed the many conversations I've stumbled upon over the past few months - as application season bears down upon us, however, I figured I should reach out and see if anyone who currently attends UMD for the PhD or MA would mind sharing how they feel about the program? I won't be looking at the MA, as I'm in an MA program at the moment, but I'm really interested in the department for the PhD. I've tried to get as much info as I can from the interwebs/advisors from my department - I've heard, of course, only good things, and absolutely plan on applying as UMD is looking to be one of my top choices. I am curious, therefore, about the things one may not know - for example, what is the department culture ? This is hugely important to me and I'd love to hear the thoughts of anyone currently attending (or who knows something). I'm quite happy to PM anyone as well, if this sort of conversation is perhaps better had in a more private way. Thank you all in advance!