<p>It depends on what you mean by “demanding.” If you mean getting a high GPA, then yes, HYP would have been a better choice. Chicago’s reputation for grade deflation is somewhat exagerrated, however. The average GPA in 1999 was 3.26, which is not too bad. To compare, see here:
<a href=“http://www.gradeinflation.com/[/url]”>http://www.gradeinflation.com/</a></p>
<p>If you mean working hard, then also HYP again would have been a better choice, but to a lesser extent. HYP have a lot of grade inflation, but their students do work hard (particularly Yale). Also, Chicago has the quarter system, which makes things a bit more intense than at HYP. </p>
<p>It depends on what a person wants out of his/her college education. If (s)he likes getting high grades and being near the top of his/her class, Chicago might not be the best place for him/her. If (s)he would like to be challenged by academically-driven peers, given a broad education by an extensive Core, and work hard to decent grades, Chicago might be a good choice.</p>
<p>To be perfectly honest, your SF does have a point.</p>