The answer to your first question is no. State schools are mandated to reserve the larger percentage of their seats to 1st- state residents, 2nd to OOS residents who live in a state that has an articulation agreement with the school as their state has no vet school, 3rd to OOS students, (including OOS students attending undergrad). Important to note ** OOS students generally are required to have higher stats than in-state students. The exception, (isn’t there always one?), is if the undergrad program has a direct admit BS/DMV program. Then, the requirements vary per program. One of our posters, @momocarly, has a son in a combined program and will be able to provide more info on that.
If your daughter is instate for Georgia, then look at the requisite courses and experience they want from an undergrad. Then choose an undergrad school that 1. offers those requisites, 2. provides opportunities for direct hands on animal care under the auspices of a vet-this can be through a local zoo, veterinary practice, etc. It does not have to be available through the undergrad. program. 3. offers leadership opportunities in other areas other than animal care. Clubs, community or church organizations. 4. Offers a chance for research as an undergrad. 5. has a strong preprofessional program and a high rate of students accepted to medical and veterinary schools. 6. and most importantly, the COA is as low as possible.
Vet schools want a well rounded applicant who has a high GPA, especially in math and sciences, (not necessary to go to an Ag school or even one that has a major in animal science.) They want a student to have a specific number of direct care hours, good communication skills, leadership. GRE scores are being used less frequently for admission by some veterinary schools.
For example, my daughter majored in marine bio at an LAC, was a TA for her mentor, presented research at conferences, worked with animals at a primate sanctuary-became lead small primate and exotic bird mgr, she also worked for a veterinary clinic, had several service trips abroad, president of several clubs. So you can major in most areas considering that you complete the requisites for the vet schools you intend to apply to.
I can recommend Eckerd in St. Petersburg. Strong mentor/student relationship. Research grants for freshman, every student has ability to work with their professors in their research, publish, present, etc. There are honor societies, including Phi Beta Kappa. Eckerd is known for short term study abroad programs as they have a 4-1-4 schedule. Winter term allows students to go abroad or take a leadership course on campus, they also have numerous spring break service trips. These programs are run by the college and a professor accompanies the group. This winter there was an animal enrichment course and students did work on campus and at the Tampa Zoo. In addition to the winter and spring abroad programs, the career learning center is very proactive in working with students to obtain internships. Once you graduate, you can always use their services, (my son went back to them about 4 yrs after graduation for assistance with applications to law school. With merit and financial aid, the COA brought it to about $1,000 more than the COA at our instate college.