SOAP week details & more tips for IMGs

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​Dr. Snehal Bansod
New York
Friday before match week, ALL main residency match candidates will receive an email indicating their SOAP eligibility status. This email has no bearing on your match outcome. This is just to inform applicants about their eligibility to participate in SOAP. It HAS NO RELATION to your MATCH results. EVERYONE will get this mail. This means you will be able to participate in SOAP and access the List of Unfilled Programs on Monday IF you are unmatched or partially matched (matched only to a preliminary or advanced program). This email is sent to all applicants and is NOT an indication if you have matched to any position.

At 11 AM EST on 13th March (Match week Monday in 2023) - everyone will get an email with one of the following contents:
1) “Congratulations, you have matched”
2) “We are sorry; you did not match to any position.”
3) “You have partially matched.”

SOAP will begin on Monday of match week at 11 AM EST. At this time all unmatched and partially matched candidates can view the list of unfilled positions using R3 system.

Please remember: Applicants can only apply through ERAS and may not initiate contact with programs during SOAP. ONLY PROGRAMS can INITIATE CONTACT during SOAP. If you INITIATE A CONTACT, you MAY BE FLAGGED and REPORTED. Don’t do that!!

During Match Week, please remember it is a violation of the Match Participation Agreement:
  • To share the List of Unfilled Programs with anyone not registered for the Match or who is ineligible for SOAP.
  • To distribute or post to any website or list any Match Week or other information from the R3 system.
  • To share your R3 password.
  • To apply to programs other than through ERAS.
  • To accept a SOAP offer outside of the R3 system.
  • Tor you or your contacts to communicate with programs before programs communicate with you; and for programs to ask you to commit to an offer prior to the offer being extended through SOAP.

13 March - Monday of the Match week:
10:00 AM EST: SOAP applicants can start preparing applications in the AAMC ERAS system. Applicants and their representatives CANNOT communicate with a program until contacted by that program.
11:00 AM EST: Programs can begin reviewing SOAP applications in the AAMC ERAS system and can contact applicants upon receipt of an application.

14 March - Tuesday of the Match week:
8:00 AM EST: Programs begin creating SOAP preference lists. (Applicants do not submit a preference list for SOAP).

16 March - Wednesday of the Match week: SOAP (ROUND 1)
Time - (9:00 AM EST - 11:00 AM EST)
  • Deadline to certify program preference list for Round 1 offers.
  • Applicants receive Round 1 offers by logging in to R3 system.
  • Medical schools can view the SOAP Schools Report (updated in real time) to track students/graduates.
  • Applicant deadline to accept/reject Round 1 offers.
  • List of Unfilled Programs updated in R3 system.

16 March - Wednesday of the Match week: SOAP (ROUND 2)
Time - (12:00 NOON EST - 2:00 PM EST)
  • Deadline to modify and re-certify program preference list for Round 2 offers.
  • Applicants receive Round 2 offers.
  • Applicant deadline to accept/reject Round 2 offers.
  • List of Unfilled Programs updated.

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

16 March - Thursday of the Match week: SOAP (ROUND 4)
Time - (6:00 PM EST - 8:00 PM EST)
  • Deadline to modify and re-certify program preference list for Round 4 offers.
  • Applicants receive Round 4 offers.
  • Applicant deadline to accept/reject Round 4 offers.

17 March - SOAP Ends
At 12 PM EST, final list of unfilled programs is updates on R3 system (including programs that did not participate in SOAP). At this time, unmatched or partially matched candidates may contact programs directly.


​Few tips for SOAP applicants: Think very carefully before choosing these 45 programs.
  1. As an IMG, you have a higher chance of matching in a small community hospital than a big university program. Don’t be tempted by big names, use these 45 spots very wisely.
  2. If a program you interviewed at is in SOAP, apply there.
  3. Keep personal statements ready for each specialty you plan to target during SOAP.
  4. If you have done any rotations or completed home country residency in other sub specialties, you have a chance of matching in those- keep personal statements ready for such.
  5. If you apply for prelim positions and get an interview, you should have a PGY2 plan ready.
  6. Upload any new LOR’s now so they are available for programs during SOAP.
  7. You will need to research on programs that are in SOAP, ask your friends who are well versed with the match process to be on stand by should you need their help for this.
  8. If you are working or are currently outside the USA, adjust your duties and be available during SOAP period.
  9. Make sure you have good internet access and phone connection. Keep your Skype account ready.

​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.
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Do you want to prepare well in advance for SOAP? Sarthi is offering Mock interview from our faculty & residents to crack the SOAP. we are here to help you! ​

Useful Videos for IMGs

SOAP 2023: Which specialty should IMGs apply to:
all tips, step by step
Prepare for SOAP residency match step by step (for IMGs) & SOAP violations
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