pennhist

Penn person here. OP, it makes me sad to see you worrying! The article's not wrong, mostly, but Penn is a relatively happy place for grad students in my experience. Faculty drama doesn't really trickle down, definitely not in the way you're describing. If you're into the people you're coming here to work with, I wouldn't worry too much about the rest. Not going to post more, but PM me if you want to talk about it. Or, even better, follow up with the students you met at visiting day.