Hey everyone! I'm currently at UCLan studying dentistry!
Just a couple of points:
Funding:
You can apply for student loans, but it is complex and technically you are applying as an undergrad on their form (<<< important). You can apply for the max maintenance loan, means tested or non-means tested. Student loans will only cover the first £5500ish of the tuition fees for all years. You must self fund the remainder for the first year, after that the NHS will fund it.
After first year, maintenance loan drops but you get a bursary instead.
Entrance exam:
I would say do not book transport this far in advance, if you are considering it, call the admissions first because I am pretty sure it is not carte-blanche for it. Everyone who meets the criteria gets to go to the entrance exam and everyone who passes goes to interview.
Do not spend hours & hours swotting for it, it's general stuff, with some subject specific questions (e.g. biochem, anatomy, biology) - so you'll either know it or you won't. By all means recap, but most of you guys are in third year you have other stuff to focus on too!
DON'T FORGET TO SEND YOUR VERIFICATION OF PRIOR LEARNING TO ADMISSIONS!!!
If you have any questions, PM me!
Good luck guys - you're nearly there!