skip to main content
international guides

SOAP for IMGs: The Match Week Playbook (Preparation + Offer Rounds)

A practical SOAP guide for IMGs: eligibility mindset, what happens Monday–Thursday of Match Week, and preparation steps.

Review date
Feb 2026
Reading time
14 min read
Author
Dr Kola Tytler MBBS CertHE MBA MSt MRCGP
On this page
IMG pathwayThis guide is updated for 2026 regulations (UK/US/Aus/Can). Always verify with official bodies.

Key points

  • 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)

1

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.
2

2) Define your “acceptable specialties and geographies” now

Under stress, people make poor decisions. Decide your acceptable constraints in advance, then execute calmly.
3

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.
4

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.
5

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].

Official Sources

NRMP — SOAP
NRMP — Match Week resources
Your learning path

Save your place and choose what comes next

sign in to save your learning
Work through this guide (5 steps)

Use the actions from this article to track what you have worked through.

Sign in using the reading controls above to save your steps.

  • 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.

    Return to this section

  • Under stress, people make poor decisions. Decide your acceptable constraints in advance, then execute calmly.

    Return to this section

  • Have your referees available, have a template message ready, and ensure you can access accounts securely during Match Week.

    Return to this section

  • NRMP runs SOAP in structured offer rounds. Your job is to be eligible, ready, and responsive.

    Return to this section

  • If SOAP does not work, you need a rational postmortem: exam performance, USCE, LoRs, specialty strategy, and interview execution.

    Return to this section

United States · Applications · Article 6 of 9