The Bottom Line
- SOAP has explicit timing and communication rules—violations can damage your outcome.
- Match Week moves fast; your prep must be done before the week starts (documents, program list logic, and decision rules).
- The 2026 schedule has specific days/times for reviewing, offers, and offer rounds—know them in advance.
SOAP is a protocol, not a vibe
In SOAP, you are operating inside a defined ruleset and timetable. Your goal is not ‘hustle harder’—it is to avoid protocol errors, respond quickly, and make high-quality decisions under time constraint. IMGs often lose ground by being unprepared for the pace and the restrictions on communication.
Do not contact programs unless permitted
NRMP’s Match Week/SOAP schedule document explicitly notes applicants (and representatives) cannot communicate with a program until contacted by that program, and the process is time-locked across specific rounds. Treat this as a hard rule.
Pre-week preparation (do this before Match Week begins)
1
Build a ‘SOAP-ready’ document set
Have a clean, final CV, a general personal statement, and 1–2 specialty-tailored variants ready. Under time pressure, you cannot rewrite from scratch.
2
Define your decision rules
Decide in advance: minimum acceptable geography/specialty, whether prelim years are acceptable, and what you will rank above what. This prevents panic decisions.
3
Create a shortlist logic
Know how you will filter the unfilled list quickly: specialty, IMG friendliness, visa acceptance, location, and program requirements.
During SOAP: execution plan
1
Operate in cycles
Each round has a deadline. Build a rhythm: review → decide → track offers → accept/reject within the window. Don’t spend an hour debating one uncertain option.
2
Communication discipline
If a program contacts you, respond professionally and promptly, and keep your messaging consistent. Track who contacted you and when to avoid duplication or confusion.
3
Protect your cognitive bandwidth
Match Week is high-stress. Reduce tasks to checklists and timers. Avoid multi-tasking and doom-scrolling; it degrades decision quality.
How iatroX can help (without pretending it changes NRMP rules)
iatroX helps by giving you structured, quickly navigable guides like this during high-pressure weeks and by keeping internal links consistent (ERAS, visa constraints, exam status). It does not replace NRMP guidance; it helps you execute it.
SourceIMG Hub Directory (iatroX)
Open Link SourceERAS Strategy (iatroX)
Open Link SourceVisa Constraints (iatroX)
Open Link