James Chen, College Advisor & Founder

James attended Columbia University as a freshman and is a graduate of Cornell University (BS) and the University of California at Berkeley (MS) with degrees in Operations Research & Industrial Engineering. After college, James worked as an Investment Banking Associate at Salomon Brothers, and as a Senior Manager at AT&T and Vice President at Wells Fargo Bank. He is a co-founder of the California Dragon Boat Association, and remains active in his community with youth, senior citizen and autism-related charities.

In 1990, he began working with students applying to undergraduate and graduate school, with a focus on applicants to Ivy League and Top Ten Business and Law Schools. His astounding acceptance record led to a word-of-mouth reputation that has drawn clients from as far away as Saudi Arabia, Korea, China and Hong Kong. With Asian Advantage, his goal is to “level the playing field” for middle-class Asian-American families hoping to enroll their children in America’s elite colleges and universities.

Ken Hong, College Advisor

Ken is a graduate of the University of California at Berkeley (BA). At Cal, he was a member of the Lightweight Crew team. With his degree in Molecular & Cell Biology, he worked as an immunologist, an Operations Manager for a successful biotech start-up and as manager of professional services for a biotech/pharmaceutical consulting firm. In his spare time, he remains an avid outdoor sportsman, competing in local dragon boating and outrigger canoeing events and organizing fly-fishing trips.

At Asian Advantage, Ken brings his firsthand perspective to students interested in biological science-related careers. As an experienced researcher, consultant and entrepreneur, he is available to our clients to provide guidance in student's college & major selection, extracurricular planning and career mentoring.

Darcy Hong, College Advisor

Darcy is a graduate of Shanghai International Studies University (BA, English), the University of Denver (MA, Social Psychology) and St. Mary’s College in Moraga California (MBA). She worked as a Senior Manager at Clorox Company and Del Monte Company for twelve years managing Company’s Global Business Operations.

Bilingual in English and Chinese, Darcy held Assistant Professor and Academic Counselor positions at the University-level in China, and experienced tremendous success as an advisor to international students applying for study in the United States. At Asian Advantage, she remains committed to helping students and parents reach their higher education dreams at America’s elite colleges.