The scramble or Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program® (SOAP®) is predominantly for unmatched AMGs. Despite it being harder for IMGs, That being said, we have had IMGs match during SOAP, and we have a few tips and strategies which will help you navigate the process and secure a position through Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program® (SOAP®).​

NRMP SOAP® basics

What is SOAP®?
Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program® (SOAP®) Occurs during match week through which positions left unfilled after the matching algorithm has been processed are offered to eligible applicants. SOAP® is not another match; It is a series of offers by programs. It consists of three rounds where positions are offered to applicants based on a program's preference list.  Each round lasts two hours during which you can accept or reject any offer that you may receive.

Which candidates are eligible for SOAP®?
  1. Registered for the main residency match (ERAS token + NRMP registration).
  2. Must be able to enter Graduate Medical Education by July 1st in the year of the match as verified by your medical school or ECFMG.
  3. Must be partially matched or fully unmatched on the Monday of match week.

How do you know you if you are eligible?
You can check the status in R3 System.
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​​Do I use the same ERAS application?
Yes. You can only update your Personal Statement, add certifications, and/or add 2 more Letters of Recommendation. Once the CV has been certified, it cannot be changed.

Letters of recommendations (LOR)?
You can upload new letters of recommendations related to the field you are going to apply for in SOAP. This shows that even though your application might indicate that you are an IM applicant, your letters of recommendation may show your interest in the applied specialty.

​What is the SOAP schedule?

As we discuss in the other post, the schedule is as follows:
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​​17 March - Monday of the Match week: SOAP Begin
​10:00 AM EST: Applicants learn if they are matched. SOAP-eligible unmatched and partially matched applicants can access the List of Unfilled Programs in the R3 system. Applicants and their representatives CANNOT communicate with a program until contacted by that program.
11:00 AM EST: SOAP applicants can start preparing applications in the AAMC ERAS system.

18 March - Tuesday of the Match week:
8:00 AM EST: Programs can begin reviewing SOAP applications in the AAMC ERAS system and can contact applicants upon receipt of an application.
11:00 AM EST: Programs begin creating SOAP preference lists in the R3 system (applicants do not submit a preference list for SOAP).
​
19 March - Wednesday of the Match week
Programs continue reviewing applications, conducting interviews, and creating/certifying SOAP preference lists in the R3 system.

20 March - Thursday of the Match week: SOAP (ROUND 1)
8:55 AM EST: Deadline to certify program preference list for Round 1 offers.
9:00 AM EST: Applicants receive offers on the R3 system.
​SOAP-Ineligible applicants may begin accepting offers from non-SOAP-/non- Match-participating programs.
​11:00 AM EST: Applicant deadline to accept/reject Round 1 offers.
List of Unfilled Programs updated in R3 system.

20 March - Thursday of the Match week: SOAP (ROUND 2)
11:55 AM EST: Deadline to modify and re-certify program preference list for Round 2 offers.
12:00 NOON EST: Applicants receive Round 2 offers
​2:00 PM EST: Applicant deadline to accept/reject Round 2 offers

20 March - Wednesday of the Match week: SOAP (ROUND 3)
2:55 PM EST: Deadline to modify and re-certify program preference list for Round 3 offers.
3:00 PM EST: Applicants receive Round 3 offers
​5:00 PM EST: Applicant deadline to accept/reject Round 3 offers.

20 March - Thursday of the Match week: SOAP (ROUND 4)
5:55 PM EST: Deadline to modify and re-certify program preference list for Round 4 offers.
6:00 PM EST: Applicants receive Round 4 offers
​8:00 PM EST: Applicant deadline to accept/reject Round 4 offer
8:30 PM EST: Programs update their number of remaining unfilled positions on the List of Unfilled Programs.
​9:00 PM EST SOAP Ends: List of Unfilled Programs, updated to include unfilled programs not participating in SOAP, is available from R3 system top menu bar to all unmatched and partially matched applicants. Applicants can begin contacting all remaining unfilled programs. Programs can update the List of Unfilled Programs as positions are filled.

21 March - Friday of Match Week: MATCH DAY!
12:00 Noon EST: Applicant Match results available (by email and R3 system).
Program Match Results by Ranked Applicant and SOAP Programs Preferred Applicants available.​​

1 May 
11:59 p.m. ET: List of Unfilled Programs no longer available in the R3 system

​What programs can I apply to?

The list of unfilled programs in the R3 system is coded. For example:
  • Categorical-C: programs that begin in the PGY-1 year and provide the full training required for specialty board certification.
  • Primary-M: categorical programs in primary care medicine and primary care pediatrics that begin in the PGY-1 year and provide the full training required for specialty board certification.
  • Advanced-A: programs that begin in the PGY-2 year after a year of intern year training (preliminary or transitional year). These programs begin one/two years after the current Match.
  • Preliminary-P: one-year programs that begin in the PGY-1 year and provide prerequisite training for advanced programs.
  • Physician-R: programs that are reserved for physicians who have had prior graduate medical education. Reserved programs offer PGY-2 positions that begin in the year of the Match.

So,  the programs you can apply to during SOAP, depends on your Match status.
​

How to choose programs? 

Larger university programs – They are much more likely to take their own students who have gone unmatched. However, if you have been doing research there, or are doing rotations there and if they know you from your application, you are much more likely to get a call. Otherwise, it is much wiser to choose from community programs to increase your chances.

Smaller community programs – First come, first serve basis. They also make a note of your address in the application. They are much more likely to give you a call if you are in the same state as the program.

Specialties: Generally Preliminary spots are much easier to get solely because of the sheer number of unfilled spots. As IMGs, it is wise to apply to such programs like Preliminary General Surgery and Preliminary Internal Medicine. So, try to prepare your personal statements and LORs in advance should you go unmatched or partially matched and you have to apply to these programs.
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Other tips:
  1. If you have already interviewed at a program, then definitely apply to that program again.
  2. Have a Skype ID.
  3. Have a US phone number.
  4. Set up your voicemail.
  5. High speed internet connection and backup.
  6. Try to have someone with you who can guide you through this process to navigate the process and read up on programs.
  7. Best case scenario: Be present in the United States.

Conclusion

SOAP is a fantastic last-chance opportunity for IMGs who are unmatched or partially matched. Preparing well ahead of time is the right thing you can do for yourself if you think the Post-Match might be in your future.
Do you want to prepare well in advance for SOAP?
Sarthi is now offering SOAP Success Plans! Get 1on1 guidance and PS/CV reviews, plus a mock interview to help you put your best foot forward during SOAP. We are here to help!​

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