Things to consider under SOAP application
Things to Consider When Applying Through SOAP
The Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program (SOAP) is a crucial pathway for residency applicants who do not match during the Main Residency Match. It gives eligible candidates a final opportunity to secure unfilled residency positions during Match Week.
Because SOAP moves quickly and allows very little room for error, success depends on preparation, strategy, and calm decision-making. The following guide outlines everything you should understand and prepare for before and during the SOAP process.
What Is SOAP?
SOAP takes place during Match Week and is administered by the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) through ERAS. It allows unmatched or partially matched applicants to apply for residency programs that remain unfilled after the Main Match.
The process lasts four days and includes:
Submission of applications
Short interviews or program communication
Several structured offer rounds
1. SOAP Eligibility Requirements
Before preparing for SOAP, confirm that you meet all eligibility criteria.
Be registered for the Main Residency Match
Be fully unmatched or partially matched
Have submitted an ERAS application
Be eligible to start residency on July 1
Hold ECFMG certification or pathway approval (for IMGs)
Applicants who withdrew from the Match, failed to certify a rank order list, or were otherwise ineligible cannot participate in SOAP.
2. Understanding the SOAP Timeline (Critical)
SOAP follows a strict and fast-moving schedule, leaving no time for delays.
Monday: Match results released (unmatched status announced)
Monday–Tuesday: Review of unfilled residency programs
Tuesday–Wednesday: Applications submitted through ERAS
Wednesday–Thursday: Interviews and program communication
Thursday: Multiple offer rounds, each lasting two hours
Missing deadlines or acting late can immediately end SOAP opportunities.
3. Application Limits During SOAP
To maintain fairness, SOAP places limits on applications.
Applicants may apply to a maximum of 45 programs
Applications are submitted in defined batches
Once an application is submitted, it cannot be edited or withdrawn
Careful selection is essential—every application matters.
4. Selecting Appropriate Specialties
Choosing the right specialty is one of the most important SOAP decisions.
Your USMLE scores
Specialties you interviewed for previously
Strengths and weaknesses in your CV
IMG-friendliness of the specialty
Specialties that commonly have SOAP positions include Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, Paediatrics, Psychiatry (limited availability), Preliminary Medicine or Surgery, and Transitional Year.
Avoid applying to specialties that do not realistically match your profile.
5. Program Selection Strategy
Do not apply randomly. A targeted approach improves your chances.
History of accepting IMGs
Visa sponsorship (J-1 or H-1B)
Program size and location
Past participation in SOAP
Alignment with your background and experience
Focus on programs where your profile closely matches their resident selection history.
6. Required Application Documents
There is no time to revise documents once SOAP begins. Everything must be finalized in advance.
Updated CV
Specialty-specific personal statements
USMLE transcripts
MSPE (if available)
At least 2–3 Letters of Recommendation
ECFMG certificate or pathway approval
Having multiple personal statements prepared for different specialties is highly recommended.
7. Writing a Strong SOAP Personal Statement
SOAP personal statements should be:
Concise and focused
Genuine in expressing interest
Clear about career goals
Well-aligned with the chosen specialty
Avoid:
Referring to SOAP as a “backup option”
Over-explaining why you went unmatched
Generic or recycled content
Programs value clarity, commitment, and professionalism.
8. Preparing for SOAP Interviews
SOAP interviews are typically:
Short (10–20 minutes)
Conducted virtually or by phone
Highly selective
Be prepared to answer:
Why this specialty?
Why this program?
What has improved since the Main Match?
Are you ready to start immediately?
Clear communication, confidence, and genuine interest are more important than perfection.
9. Communication Rules During SOAP
SOAP follows strict NRMP communication policies.
Allowed:
Programs initiating contact
Applicants responding professionally
Not allowed:
Applicants contacting programs first
Asking for offers or commitments
Negotiating positions
Violating communication rules can result in serious NRMP penalties.
10. Understanding SOAP Offer Rounds
Offers are released in multiple, timed rounds.
Each round lasts two hours
You may accept or decline an offer
Accepted offers are binding
Declining an offer carries the risk of receiving none later
Never reject an offer unless you fully understand the risk involved.
11. Visa Considerations for IMGs
IMGs must carefully review visa policies.
Availability of J-1 visa sponsorship
Possibility of H-1B sponsorship (rare in SOAP)
ECFMG sponsorship timelines
Apply only to programs that clearly support your visa requirements.
12. Mental and Emotional Readiness
SOAP is intense and emotionally challenging.
Stay calm and organized
Avoid rushed decisions
Follow a clear, pre-planned approach
Seek guidance from mentors or advisors
SOAP is not a failure—it is another opportunity.
13. Planning Beyond SOAP
If SOAP does not result in a position:
Consider Preliminary or Transitional Year programs
Strengthen your CV with U.S. clinical experience or research
Improve USMLE Step 2 CK performance
Prepare early for the next Match cycle
Early and focused planning significantly improves future outcomes.
Final Thoughts
SOAP is a high-pressure process that rewards applicants who are well prepared, strategically focused, emotionally steady, and professionally guided. Success in SOAP is not based on luck—it comes from preparation, discipline, and smart decision-making under pressure.
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