Oakland Teen Accepted to Every College Picks LSU for Pre-Med Path
Dominic Antoine Jr., an 18-year-old senior from Fremont High School in East Oakland, California, has shattered expectations by gaining acceptance to all 31 colleges he applied to and has officially committed to Louisiana State University to pursue a pre-med track.
The announcement came on National College Decision Day, May 1st, where Antoine revealed his choice to study biology at LSU with the goal of becoming an orthopedic surgeon. He selected LSU from a highly competitive list including prestigious California schools like UCLA and UC Berkeley, as well as top Historically Black Colleges and Universities such as Howard University, Tennessee State, and Morgan State.
Academic and Athletic Achiever Draws National Attention
Known as ‘Pooda,’ Antoine boasts a remarkable 4.3 GPA and is a varsity basketball star who was recently named first team all-league. Despite receiving recruitment interest for his athletic skills, he prioritized academics and his dream of a medical career. His story went viral recently when attendees at the Black College Expo publicly celebrated his outstanding academic achievements.
Antoine’s basketball coach of four years, Derek Smith, praised his leadership and character, calling him irreplaceable and an example for the entire team. “I wouldn’t trade him for anything,” Smith said, reflecting on Antoine’s dedication both on the court and in the classroom. Fremont High School’s principal also highlighted Antoine’s role as a compassionate student leader who advocates for his peers.
Creative College Announcement Captures Dual Passions for Sports and Medicine
Antoine’s college choice was shared on Instagram in a video symbolizing his transition—from basketball athlete to future medical professional. The clip shows him leaving the court and donning a medical coat, illustrating his firm commitment to becoming a doctor. His car, adorned with various university pennants and capped with an LSU Tigers banner, visually represents his academic and athletic journey.
This milestone underscores Antoine’s extraordinary combination of hard work, leadership, and vision. His merit-based scholarship and LSU’s early acceptance were key factors tipping the scales in favor of LSU—setting him up for success in a state new to him but ripe with opportunity.
Antoine’s story resonates nationwide as an inspiring example of how dedication and focus can unlock doors at some of the most competitive institutions in the country. His ambition to enter the medical field reflects a growing need for skilled physicians, with a particular focus on orthopedic surgery.
For families, students, and educators in Nevada and beyond, Antoine’s achievement offers a powerful reminder: perseverance and a clear vision can generate opportunities anywhere across the U.S. As college admissions become increasingly competitive, Antoine’s journey stands out as a beacon of hope for young people chasing big dreams.
As LSU prepares to welcome Antoine this fall, eyes nationwide will follow his progress from a celebrated high school athlete to a future leader in medicine. His path reaffirms the impact of choosing a school that offers both support and opportunity, no matter the geographic distance.
