A model for widening access into medicine and dentistry: the SAMDA-BL project

Objectives To assess whether assistance with and/or advice on the UK Universities & Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) application process by undergraduate medical and dental students increases the offer rate to applicants from educational institutions situated in areas of socio‐economic deprivation for medical and dental courses. Methods A sample of 42 students making 172 applications in 2001 and another sample of 40 students making 158 applications in 2002 from 4 further education and sixth form colleges across East London were entered into the study. Applicants were either offered advice and assistance with writing their personal statement and extra curricular activities, such as work experience (group A) or advice only on the importance of the personal statement and extra curricular activities (group B). Applicants were also assisted with or advised to submit their applications early. All applicants were offered mock interviews. Main outcome measures The number of offers made to applicants by medical and dental schools and the dates of offered interviews. Results The total offer rate rose from 9% (preceding 4 years) to 38% (CI 25–51%, P