Company gives students the power of Insight

By Michele Leung

The urge to run one's own business is undeniable. Jennifer Wang, a Monta Vista High 1995 graduate, left a comfortable job as a financial planner to start her own venture, Insight. Insight's mission is to enable high school students to get into competitive colleges by providing tutoring services and matching students with high-caliber extracurricular activities.

High school students will attest that getting into college may require more than just top scores and grades. When the brightest students fight for admission to the nation's top universities, graduating teens look for ways to separate themselves from their peers. For many clients, the appeal of Insight is the opportunity to find meaningful summer jobs. For example, the company has secured research positions with Stanford University grad students and art and drama teaching posts at recreation centers.

"It's all aimed at the general purpose of reaching [students'] potential," said Wang.

Wang and her partner Judy Wong founded Insight after both became disillusioned with their previous jobs. The pair initially started Insight on a half-time basis last summer, but they began devoting their full attention to it less than two months ago.

Before Insight, both had signed on to work in the world of finances. Prior to teaming up with Wang, Wong was an investment banker on Wall Street. Nevertheless, they feel confident about their chances of surviving.

"Besides, this is the land of start ups and young people working," said Wong.

Despite their age, the 23-year-old entrepreneurs feel they have the know-how and savvy to run Insight. The two will do the research on behalf of their student clients. According to them, they have visited numerous colleges around the country and communicate regularly with admissions officers.

They also contact teachers about the areas of struggle the students have, oversee a team of tutors and provide SAT prep work. But most of all, they say that it's their age and recent college experience that gives them their legitimacy.

"Most of the students have questions about what college is like. College counselors at high schools are much further removed so we can be very effective, and they listen to us," said Wong.

"My kids don't necessarily listen to me, but [Wang and Wong] can talk to them about the same things, and they listen to them more," said Nancy Hsieh, whose son Jeff spent three months with Insight, and whose daughter Cindy has applied for the year-long program. Jeff is a graduating senior at Homestead High School and will move on to UCLA in the fall. Cindy is a sophomore at the same school and would like to follow her brother's footsteps south.

Cindy Hsieh liked the results she saw in her brother and wanted the same for herself. "They helped my brother with his college planning. They tell you what activities will help and what will look good for college," she says.

In addition, she says she has benefited from Insight's SAT study sessions and leadership workshops. Beginning on June 19, she will be a teacher at an East Palo Alto school coaching young children in drama and directing them in a play.

"Insight is a good source of guidance for kids. Cindy feels motivated and excited this summer," said her mother.

High school counselors who witness students' and parents' stress first-hand recognize the merit in seeking out private counselors but suggest to the anxious to look at the school career centers first for resources.

"First you need to begin with what's at school. Do comparative shopping and see what you're getting for the money," said Cathy Katz, guidance resource teacher at Monta Vista High School. "Sometimes tips are just available if you ask."

Both Katz and Nancy Hsieh agree that no one can provide guarantees but aren't averse to teens getting help where they can find it. "It's a competitive process, and it continues to get more difficult each year," said Katz. "We all want what's best for the kids."

Insight was funded by the Wang and Wong families and friends; Wang estimates $50,000 went into this business. "We've had a good response, and that's what saving us," she said. Her partner admits to some sleepless nights, but they are committed to the next five years. Their dream to eventually take their business to an international market fuels their optimism.

The college application process is already a competitive one, but the two contend that they're not adding to the competition. "We motivate, but we also relieve stress. We tell them to find their passion and the fields they're interested in," said Wong.

"My passion is to work with high-school students and share my love for learning. A love of learning is what made our success," said Wang.

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For more information, contact Insight at 252.5050, or visit www.insightcollege.com. Insight is at 10430 S. De Anza Blvd, Ste 170.

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