Amanda Smith is a freelance journalist and writer. She reports on culture, society, human interest and technology. Her stories hold a mirror to society, reflecting both its malaise and its beauty.

In a year in which it received a record number of applications for the incoming first-year class, Boston College continued to solidify its status as one of the country’s most selective universities.

Professional communication skills are frequently cited as being among the most desirable traits in college graduates. For the second year in a row, LinkedIn has identified communication skills as the ...