I had someone at a collection agency tell me that if I were to not settle my account with them, but pay the entire amount that they would list it on the credit report as 'paid in full' as opposed to 'account settled.' Is there really any difference if I'm trying to repair my credit & boost my credit score?

It's such a nominal difference between paying $211 and paying just under $100, that if paying the full amount leads to a higher score, or less derogatory accounts, then I'm all for it. But at the same time, I don't particularly trust the people I've been speaking to at collection agencies.