@RockySoil , @LG_Dent did a nice job describing her Wake experience. I’m only a parent so every opinion I have is based on observation of S and his situation (anecdotal at best).
However, the topic of grade deflation pops up from time to time, and then of course, “Work Forest”. Based on S’ experience, I would agree the courses are rigorous across the board. No easy A’s. He was a straight A kid in HS (top rated school in our area) and bounces around 3.5 at Wake. He would tell you it’s all manageable with good time management skills. A big part of that is ECs which take up a lot of time but provide excellent experiences outside the classroom. His primary group of friends are all involved in several clubs and I think that’s fairly common They’re pretty busy.
Based on conversations we’ve had, I would describe grading as tough but fare. They want you really learning coursework and that takes a deep mastery of the topic. I’d like to think it’s like that at most places but I here that’s not necessarily the case.