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Are MOOCS good on a college application?

I was wondering if Mass Open Online Courses are good on a college application if I don't pay for a certification?

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Talha’s Answer

Try to think about what the MOOC would add. E.g. do you have less than stellar grades on your transcript in a subject which is relevant for the major you're applying in, maybe you did a MOOC to address that gap. Also - I don't think getting the paid certification has a very clear benefit over just listing/mentioning the course you took.

Another thing which a MOOC helps with is helping you understand what a university course would be like. You can take a university level course in the major you're interested in to see if you enjoy the instruction/assignments etc and how well you're able to handle it.
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Lisa’s Answer

Hi Andrew,

MOOCourses are great opportunities for learning incredible information from some of the best thinkers/innovators in our global community. Kudos to you on completing a course/program!

However, the college application process is really about a combination of things. For example, the application process will focus on you and your interests, your ability to perform well academically (grades), and your level of discipline to balance study with opportunities available by that university. You have to demonstrate these qualities on your college applications.

The MOOCourse, unless it was an exceptionally different/ a one-of-a-kind course or program (or certificate) that is connected to an opportunity you’re pursuing at the university or can show your level of curiosity, it may not carry much weight with admissions. Therefore, whether or not you have a certificate, the most important thing is to explain the value of this course or program on your life and interests. Otherwise, you may need to simply list the course as an activity or explain it as a great experience (if applicable).

Simply put, be encouraged to focus on the parts of you that can show the school who you are, what makes you tick, and why that school is the best fit for you.

I hope this helps and all the best on your college applications!

Lisa
Thank you comment icon Thanks, can't wait to put this advice into action! Andrew
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Rube’s Answer

MOOCS may help you in your college application if it surrounds the major you are applying for because it shows the interest you have in the major. This may also help you in the long run when you have classes about specific topics you may have already learned about in your MOOCs. The decision-making may vary from college to college, but this would not hurt your college application. The more extracurricular activities you show that you are involved in, the more interested a school may be in you.
Thank you comment icon I appreciate you taking the time to answer this. Andrew
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Patricia’s Answer

Yes! While this won't be the defining decision in your college acceptance, doings MOOCS shows that you have an interest in that given subject and would be relevant in mentioning as part of your hobbies and interest. Further, if the MOOC is related to your intended field of study, it would be
a great reason for picking your course and is worthy of mention. But don't let it overshadow your grades, extra-curriculars, achievements as they come first!
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