Alexandra Dawn Wong is born in San Francisco, California. Her father, Adolphus Wong, was a Chinese-American anesthesiologist, and her mother, Tam 'Tammy' Wong, was Vietnamese. She is the youngest of four children.

Ali Wong spends her childhood in the affluent Pacific Heights neighborhood of San Francisco, experiencing a diverse cultural background through her family's heritage.

Wong attends Katherine Delmar Burke School, a prestigious all-girls preparatory school in San Francisco, where she likely develops strong academic skills and confidence.

Wong attends the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), majoring in Asian American Studies. She also discovers her passion for performing, joining LCC Theatre Company, the university's oldest and largest Asian American theatre company. During this time, she participates in and writes for various theatrical productions, honing her comedic skills.

Ali Wong graduates from UCLA with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Asian American Studies. This academic background likely influences her comedic perspective and material.