College Counselor
A first-generation college student and Rhodes Scholar turned college counselor, Austin Hughes brings a unique perspective shaped by his experiences at both a Big Ten university and the University of Oxford, where he earned his master’s degree. With firsthand knowledge of both U.S. and international higher education, Austin combines a deep understanding of the admissions landscape with a passion for storytelling and mentorship, helping students navigate the process with clarity, confidence, and purpose.
Austin Hughes has spent years helping students and families navigate the college admissions process with greater clarity and confidence. His work in admissions counseling began while earning his master’s degree at the University of Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar, building on his own experience as a first-generation college student at a Big Ten university. Having navigated both U.S. and international higher education, Austin brings a unique perspective to families considering a wide range of colleges and opportunities.
Austin understands how overwhelming and complex college admissions can feel. His approach is highly personalized, taking the time to understand each student’s academic strengths, interests, personality, and goals before developing a strategy that reflects who they are. He has guided students to admission at highly selective top-20 universities as well as outstanding national, local, and regional institutions, focusing not just on where a student can get in, but where they are most likely to thrive.
With a strong background in storytelling, communication, and mentorship, Austin helps students identify what makes them distinctive and bring those qualities to life throughout their applications. He has spent nearly a decade studying English literature as well as Japanese language, culture, and literature, and brings more than a decade of public speaking experience to his counseling work.
Originally from Texas but increasingly global in outlook, Austin thrives on learning from different people, cultures, and perspectives. Outside of counseling, he can usually be found bird watching, baking, or singing.
Location
San Antonio, TX