Reducing Stress and Building Confidence for College Admission and Career

Note: This event is exclusively for Monta Vista families. PTSA members have priority access to join the session for free. If you’re not yet a member, please consider joining the PTSA or making a small donation to support our community and help us bring more events like this to our school. Use this link:

About the Session:In today’s high-pressure environment, high school students face unprecedented stress from academics, extracurriculars, and the intense "college acceptance race." According to the American Psychological Association (APA), many students feel overwhelmed, striving to meet external expectations instead of exploring their true interests. Research shows that students lacking self-awareness experience even more stress, as they are often guided by societal norms or peer-driven goals instead of what genuinely motivates them.

This session will explore the role of self-awareness in reducing stress and guiding students toward choices that align with who they are. Parents will gain practical tools to help their children make confident, purposeful decisions that lead to greater resilience, success in college, and a fulfilling career. By nurturing self-awareness, students can feel empowered to choose their own path with clarity and confidence.

Who Should Attend:This session is especially valuable for immigrant parents who may be unfamiliar with the U.S. education system and the full range of educational opportunities available. Many may know only a few well-known Ivy League schools, while there are countless high-quality colleges across the U.S. that offer exceptional education and career pathways. This session will help parents understand what truly matters for their child’s success and how to support them in making informed, purposeful choices for high school, college, and beyond.

Takeaways:Parents will leave with insights on what truly matters for their child’s growth and development, along with practical strategies to start meaningful conversations that explore their child’s true interests and help build self-awareness for long-term success.

About the Presenter:Vinnie Gupta, an immigrant from India and a Cupertino resident for over 25 years, has guided both his children through Monta Vista and the U.S. college admissions process. Despite attending top universities in India, Vinnie faced challenges navigating the U.S. high school and college admissions system, which inspired him to co-found Upward Path Institute a decade ago. His mission is to help students, especially from immigrant families, connect career readiness to their high school and college journeys. Vinnie is recognized as a thought leader in college admissions and has been featured in national media outlets.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Monta Vista High School (Student Union), 21840 McClellan Road, Cupertino, United States