One thing you might not consider before you apply to your FTO is, how long does the course actually take? I'd suggest that you will be out of the other end that little bit quicker with FTE and at the end of the day we all want to be sat in the right hand seat asap. Going to the open days is certainly a good idea but if you can, speak to people who are actually there at the moment if you know any. Alternatively, drag a volunteering student to one side and gather as much information as you can from them!