Do MOOCs help in college applications?

Applying to College
1

<p>Currently, I'm taking 4 online classes via Coursera (Introduction to Public Speaking, The Camera Never Lies, Competitive Strategy, and Networks Illustrated). Although these classes offer no college credit, they are relatively indepth and taught by professors from top tier universities (e.g. Networks Illustrated is taught by instructors at Princeton).</p>

<p>Although there is no way to truly verify someone's identity (for example, mine), and only one of these 4 classes I'm taking even offer a "Certificate of Accomplishment" upon completion, will putting them on a college application help me stand out at all? Or will admissions officers simply brush these off due to the inability to verify that I truly took the course? (I'm applying to top tier colleges)</p>

2

<p>JMHO, and I’m not an expert on these classes. But lack of identity verification seems like the problem. It would be like using standardized tests that didn’t require strict ID verification for sitting exams.</p>

3

<p>While they will not hold as much water as your transcript, if you complete them , it will enhance your application by highlighting your intellectual curiosity and desire to learn</p>