I started off on the same path as you. Actually, after 3 years in traditional University I dropped out to consult as a network architect. I eventually got some certs which took me places. However, I went back got my BS in CS and eventually a MS in CS. The certs got me some great real-world experience that truly helped me in finishing my two degrees.

I highly urge anyone that is in a traditional University to get some internships over the summers to find out what it's really like developing real-world solutions to real business problems.

Certs are a good thing, however, they should never replace what you can learn on the job.

Andy

The main reason that I chose to dive into this certification program was because the college I am most likely to attend offers a 5 year program with 3, 6 month paid co-ops. So I figured if I went into college with a few certs, I'd get placed in a better co-op job and get some real meaningful work while in college. It seems to me, after looking through some of these forums, that work experience can be just as, or more important than certifications or even a degree.

Rich

Are you taking classes that teach you about these certs?

yes, that what the classes are