MOOCs on College Applications?

Over the summer, I’m working on an EdX course in computer science. I’m not doing it specifically for college admissions, but it is relevant to my prospective major. Is this something I can list on applications, should I complete it successfully? If so, is there any benefit to paying for the verified certificate? The certificate is $50 and is supposed to prove that you actually did the work, but I’m not sure if it actually matters. (I am a rising senior if that changes anything)

My D2 did a MOOC and put it on her application. She took one that did not have a cost to get a certificate, though. She did put the info in her “additional information” section (since it wasn’t for credit, it didn’t seem to fit anyplace else), and said that she had her certificate.

I doubt it will have an impact except to show your interest in the field. I wouldn’t pay for the certificate.

It would show intellectual curiosity