The Bottom Line
- SOAP is the NRMP’s uniform system for offering unfilled residency positions to eligible unmatched or partially matched applicants during Match Week.
- NRMP states SOAP runs Monday through Thursday of Match Week and requires applicants to be ready if they learn on Monday they are unmatched.
- The single biggest differentiator is preparation: documents ready, list strategy ready, and a calm operational plan.
SOAP is not a “wing it” situation
If you only begin preparing after you find out you are unmatched, you are already behind. The best candidates create a SOAP contingency file before Match Week.
The SOAP contingency system (build this before Match Week)
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1) Create a SOAP-ready document bundle
Have multiple specialty-specific personal statements, an updated CV, and a clean LoR inventory. Your goal is to respond quickly without producing low-quality rushed documents.
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2) Define your “acceptable specialties and geographies” now
Under stress, people make poor decisions. Decide your acceptable constraints in advance, then execute calmly.
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3) Prepare a rapid-communication protocol
Have your referees available, have a template message ready, and ensure you can access accounts securely during Match Week.
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4) Treat SOAP as a structured process, not a free-for-all
NRMP runs SOAP in structured offer rounds. Your job is to be eligible, ready, and responsive.
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5) Post-SOAP: do a forensic review (if needed)
If SOAP does not work, you need a rational postmortem: exam performance, USCE, LoRs, specialty strategy, and interview execution.
Copy-paste message to referees (SOAP standby)
Hi [Name] — I’m approaching Match Week and I’m preparing a contingency plan in case I need to participate in SOAP. If I message you during Match Week, it may be to confirm you’re happy to support my application and to respond promptly to any program queries. Thank you again — Dr [Name].
Practice
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