“I Think” vs. “I Feel” — The Smarter Way to Choose Your College

It’s college decision week for students across the country — a moment filled with excitement, relief, and sometimes, confusion.

One question we hear the most at Teenr is:
“How do we make our final college decision?”

The answer is surprisingly simple — but deeply powerful.

While most people approach this question with an “I think…” mindset, we encourage students to shift to an “I feel…” mindset.

And the difference between the two is about as wide as the Atlantic Ocean.

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“I Think” vs. “I Feel”

The “I think” approach is logical, external, and often shaped by everyone except the student.
It’s influenced by:

• Guidance counselors
   

• Parents

• Friends

• College rankings

• Outside opinions and perceptions
   

The “I feel” approach, on the other hand, comes from within.
It’s guided by the one person who will actually live that college experience — the student.

 

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Why “I Feel” Leads to Better College Choices

Once a student steps onto campus, all the “I think” reasoning — about prestige, rankings, or advice — fades away.
What takes over instead is feeling:

• “I feel at home here.”
   

• “I feel inspired.”
   

• “I feel connected.”
   

• Or sometimes… “I feel overwhelmed.”
   

Those feelings are powerful signals.
They reveal whether the environment, people, and culture truly align with who you are and who you’re becoming.

The “I feel” decision is what leads to waking up excited for class, finding your community, and thriving both personally and academically.

It’s the difference between attending college and belonging there.

 

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The Path to an Inspired College Experience

At Teenr, we help students and parents move past external noise and discover the college that feels right.
Because when you follow the “I feel” approach —
you find the right campus, the right people, and the right energy that will shape your best years ahead.

If you want an inspired college experience, let’s talk.