In an impressive academic achievement, an East Oakland teenager with a remarkable 4.3 GPA managed to secure acceptance letters from all 31 colleges he applied to. Ultimately, he made the decision to enroll at Louisiana State University, where he plans to pursue his lifelong dream of becoming a doctor.
Dominic Antoine Jr., an 18-year-old senior at Fremont High School, affectionately nicknamed “Pooda,” announced his choice on May 1, coinciding with National College Decision Day. He opted for LSU after carefully considering an impressive array of prestigious institutions.
“I applied for biology with a pre-med track,” Antoine shared with KTVU, emphasizing his commitment to a career in medicine.
Faced with the enviable challenge of selecting from numerous top-tier schools, Antoine reflected on the difficulty of his decision, as every institution he applied to welcomed him with open arms.
“No rejections!” Antoine stated with pride, highlighting his exceptional achievement.
Among the esteemed universities vying for his enrollment were UCLA and UC Berkeley, both renowned for their competitive national standings. His accomplishment underscores not only his academic prowess but also his determination and potential for future success in the medical field.
Antoine also used the Common Black College Application to cast a wide net, applying to dozens of Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
Among the schools making his final cut were Howard University, Tennessee State University, Morgan State University, and Syracuse University.
But in the end, the senior said LSU came out on top.
“I knew where my heart was, and I trusted my gut,” Antoine said.
Antoine previously told KTVU that LSU was the first school to accept him — and sweetened the deal with a top-tier merit-based scholarship package.
Antoine’s success wasn’t limited to the classroom at Fremont, which faces numerous problems such as low reading and graduation levels.
“There was something about him,” Coach Derek Smith told KTVU, saying he recognized Antoine’s potential the first time he saw him play as a middle schooler.
Fremont High principal Nidya Baez said the standout senior also prioritized others, noting, “He fights for inclusion of students with disabilities in activities and goes out of his way to make them feel welcomed.”
College and Career Readiness Specialist Jaliza Collins said colleges that accepted Antoine recognized his light.
“He also leads with empathy and humility, which makes him that much more special,” Collins said.
While some schools showed interest in his basketball skills, Antoine said academics remained his top priority.
The multi-sport athlete, who also competed in football and track, said his experiences with sports injuries fueled his dream of becoming an orthopedic surgeon.
“A lot of back and forward to orthopedics, getting MRIs, getting x-rays, getting checkups,” Antoine said.
“I feel so relieved after being helped.”
The Oakland native, who is the second of six children, credited his family’s support and love.
