Oakland Teen Dominic Antoine Jr. Accepted to Every College Applied, Chooses LSU
Dominic Antoine Jr., an 18-year-old senior at Fremont High School in Oakland, California, has achieved an extraordinary milestone by being accepted to all 31 colleges he applied to, confirmed on National College Decision Day, May 1. Today, Antoine officially announced his decision to attend Louisiana State University (LSU) to pursue a biology degree on a pre-med track, aiming to become an orthopedic surgeon.
This remarkable achievement has captured national attention as Antoine’s acceptance rate is near impossible to match. While weighing offers from prestigious universities such as UCLA and UC Berkeley, plus top Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) including Howard, Tennessee State, and Morgan State, Antoine ultimately chose LSU. His decision was influenced strongly by LSU’s offer of early acceptance and a substantial merit-based scholarship.
Athlete and Scholar Breaks the Mold, Prioritizing Academics Over Athletics
Domonic Antoine Jr., known affectionately as “Pooda,” maintains an exceptional 4.3 GPA while excelling both in academics and athletics. As a varsity basketball player recently named first team all-league, Antoine attracted viral attention during the Black College Expo when strangers publicly celebrated his outstanding academic record. Antoine described that sudden outpouring of support as “special,” despite initial feelings of awkwardness.
“We wouldn’t trade him for anything; I wish my whole team had students like him,” said Derek Smith, Antoine’s coach and mentor for four years through The Right Way Academy, highlighting Antoine’s leadership and potential.
Fremont High School’s principal also recognizes Antoine as a dedicated, caring leader who champions the collective needs of his peers, balancing leadership with academic rigor and athletic discipline.
Vision for the Future: From Basketball Courts to Medical Careers
Antoine creatively announced his college choice on Instagram with a compelling video symbolizing his shift from basketball to medicine. The video shows him leaving a basketball court, donning a medical coat, and driving a car decorated with multiple college pennants, culminating in a prominent LSU Tigers pennant. This visual narrative powerfully captures Antoine’s commitment to his dream of becoming a doctor.
Despite receiving interest from colleges for his basketball skills, Antoine’s focus remains sharply fixed on his academic and medical career goals. His story resonates across the nation as a testament to the power of dedication, hard work, and a clear vision for the future, inspiring students and families everywhere.
Why This Story Matters Across the US and Alaska
Antoine’s accomplishment embodies a broader narrative of resilience and academic excellence that echoes across communities nationwide, including Alaska. His journey underlines how opportunities through scholarships and early acceptances can transform the futures of talented students everywhere. His commitment to medicine also adds to the national pipeline of future healthcare professionals—a priority in many parts of the country, including underserved areas in Alaska and beyond.
The early May announcement signals to students, parents, and educators that with passion and perseverance, even the highest academic ambitions are within reach.
What’s Next for Dominic Antoine Jr.
As Dominic heads to LSU this fall, the focus will turn to his transition from high school star to college pre-med student, where scholarship resources and LSU’s academic environment will support his pursuit of orthopedic surgery. Antoine’s path also sets a benchmark for how student-athletes can prioritize academics while excelling in sports—a balancing act critical to success in competitive university settings.
For now, Antoine’s story continues to inspire, reminding all students nationwide that comprehensive achievements open doors across the country, from California to Louisiana, and beyond.
