Dominic Antoine Jr., East Oakland Teen With 4.3 GPA, Gets Into All 31 Colleges He Applied To

Dominic Antoine Jr.,  known affectionately as "Pooda," is proof that excellence thrives even where the odds seem stacked. This 18-year-old Oakland native, a senior at Fremont High School in East Oakland, has done something remarkable: he applied to 31 colleges and received 31 acceptances. Not a single rejection.

With a 4.3 GPA earned through rigorous Advanced Placement and dual-enrollment college courses, Dominic has shattered every ceiling placed before him. On National College Decision Day, he announced his choice: Louisiana State University, where he'll pursue biology on a pre-med track, the first step toward his dream of becoming an orthopedic surgeon. LSU welcomed him with a top-tier merit scholarship, recognizing exactly the kind of scholar and leader he is.

His school community has been vocal in their admiration. Principal Nidya Baez celebrated him as "a caring leader who advocates for all students," highlighting how he champions inclusion for students with disabilities. College and Career Readiness Specialist Jaliza Collins called him a young man who "leads with empathy and humility," sharing a powerful story of Dominic turning down a medical internship because he had already committed to reading with elementary school children. His response? "I already committed to working with the little ones... But I would know."

That integrity defines him. So does his relentless drive. Beyond academics, he's a varsity basketball player, has competed in football and track, and spends his time tutoring peers in math and guiding classmates through college applications. His AAU coach, Derek Smith, put it plainly: "I wouldn't trade him for nothing in the world. This kid is phenomenal."

When a stranger at the Black College Expo heard about his 4.3 GPA, they couldn't contain their pride,  shouting it out to everyone around them. That moment captures what Dominic represents to his community.

He said it best himself: "This is bigger than me… it's about impact, legacy, and opening doors that weren't always open."

From Oakland to Baton Rouge,  nothing was given, everything earned.

Link: KTVU