<p>I've read a number of pieces of advice on how to write your essay and some examples of outstanding ones.</p>
<p>One of the most prevalent tips for college essays i got was that an applicant must be extremely careful not to brag about himself/herself and not to restate extracurriculars since they are already included in the transcript.</p>
<p>But I have come across certain universities who ask you to describe "how you have taken advantage of educational oppurtunities", which in my mind would entail having to write/reference the oppurtunities/ECs you have done. I'm a bit nervous because i'm not exactly sure how i should go about tackling this without either sounding arrogant or unqualified.</p>
<p>i would think that people are warning not to re-list EC's, not re-state them. subtle point. if you were to describe an EC that you particularly had interest in and went to great measures to make time for it, i couldnt see how that could hurt you. opportunities is a vague word, it can mean anything from courseload to scholarship. if this is in essay form, which ill assume you are concerned about an essay, i would consider writing from your own standpoint and instead of bragging about how great you are, try showing more of "this is what matters to me and this is why i got involved". the thought process and belief system is in my opinion just as valuable as the amount of hours you put in, of course im not an admissions officer, but i wouldnt see why i would be very far off. good luck!</p>