University of Maryland: worth the hype?

I've heard a lot about the University of Maryland and its reputation. For anyone who's attending or has visited, what stands out to you about the campus, professors, and overall feel of the university?

The University of Maryland (UMD) has several distinctive features that might contribute to all the buzz you've been hearing. It's home to a spirited, dynamic, and diverse student body. Terrapin spirit is palpable whether you're at a football game at the Maryland Stadium or just enjoying a stroll through McKeldin Mall - the main quad of the campus. The enthusiasm of the students for their institution is something genuinely unique to UMD.

In terms of academics, UMD has renowned programs in various fields. For instance, the Robert H. Smith School of Business is ranked among the top business schools across the nation, known for its quality teaching and hands-on learning opportunities. Additionally, their programs in engineering, journalism, and computer science are very well-regarded.

Professors at UMD are, on the whole, approachable, knowledgeable, and effective at facilitating class engagement. There's a wide range of research opportunities as the university has strong ties with nearby institutions and organizations for collaborative work. However, given that it's a large university, class sizes can be quite big in some introductory courses, which might not suit everyone's learning preferences.

The campus itself is a mix of classic and modern architecture with a lot of green spaces. It's also located in a college town, College Park, so you will feel embedded in the student life even beyond the bounds of the campus. UMD also sits just a few miles from Washington, D.C., offering access to a host of internships, job opportunities, and cultural activities.

In terms of cons, some students mention the large size of the campus and the student population can feel overwhelming. Services such as advising and parking can be bureaucratic at times due to the large number of students these offices have to serve.

Overall, whether or not the University of Maryland will be "worth the hype" depends on your academic interests, preferences for a campus environment, and personal educational philosophy. It certainly has a lot to offer, but everybody's experience will be different!