<p>Mom3333, I see that you have posted basically this same question in at least 3 threads. Yes, Chicago is a rigorous academic environment and much is expected of the students. However, students do manage to play sports, participate in ECs, go to parties, watch endless episodes of House and West Wing (!), work, do research and stay sane…most of the time. Two of my kids have gone to Chicago. Both ended up Sociology majors, with different interests. They tolerated the Core, but have used much of what they learned in those classes in other academic arenas. Remember, Hum, Soc and Civ all have multiple series of classes amongst which students can choose. All that’s required is that they choose and complete a sequence in each area. Civ can be completed by study abroad, which my D ('11) did. Students are serious, and work hard, but they do have lives outside of the classroom, and even outside of Hyde Park. And I don’t think I ever heard either of my kids describe the environment as competitive. Compelling, fast-paced and rigorous, yes, competitive, no.</p>