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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 < 0.05) in 2001 and 44% (CI 27–61%, P < 0.05) in 2002, confirming a rising trend in offers to applicants in group A. Applicants who were only advised on the importance of the personal statement and extra curricular activities (group B) showed smaller increases, ranging from 10% to 29% for 2001 and from 28% to 37% for 2002. The dates for the offered interviews were earlier in group A than group B. Conclusions Undergraduate students can help applicants to medical and dental schools from socio-economically deprived areas submit earlier, improved UCAS applications and provide interview practice, all of which are associated with a higher offer rate. Applicants benefit from advice on activities such as work experience, community work and personal interests, but assistance in organising such activities increases the offer rate more. The study was conducted during a period of time when there was an increase in the number of medical school places available. Therefore, more research is needed to confirm that such assistance can increase applicants' offer rates elsewhere, particularly applications from students who traditionally would not apply for medicine or dentistry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]