As I understand it, there is usually a threshold standardized test score (ACT or SAT) and/or high school gpa/class rank below which one is not eligible to apply. From what I've heard, the ACT/SAT cutoff is usually somewhere in the 90-95 percentile range, and the high school GPA/class rank cutoff is in the top 10-25 percentile range. As with the traditional vet school application process, there is a formal application, written references, etc. and the programs also look for applicants with demonstrated evidence of strong motivation toward a career in veterinary medicine (FFA, 4-H, volunteer or work experience with animals in a variety of settings, etc.). A formal interview is also part of the process. If admitted, the applicants are usually assigned faculty and student mentors in the vet school. While undergraduates, the admitted candidates have to enroll in a certain major (usually animal science, biology or biochemistry), complete all of the required prerequisite courses for vet school (usually with a minimum grade in each course), maintain a minimum cumulative gpa and take the GRE or the MCAT and achieve a certain score. Some programs impose additional requirements as well. If you fall short of any of the requirements once admitted, you're dropped from the program, but not precluded from applying to the vet school via the traditional route. If an admitted candidate meets all of these requirements, they can petition for early admission or they can elect to complete their bachelor's degree first. Either way, they are guaranteed a seat in the DVM program. Much like the many students who start out as pre-vet majors and eventually switch to something else, I am guessing that a substantial percentage of the students who start these programs may not complete them successfully.
