Illustration of the SOAP process

A Comprehensive Guide to the SOAP Process for Residency Applicants8 min read

Introduction

Welcome to our blog post on the Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program (SOAP) process for those who don’t match. In this article, we will provide an explanation of the SOAP process and an overview of the 2024 SOAP schedule and its importance.

Illustration of the SOAP process

Understanding the SOAP Process:

The Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program (“SOAP“) is a process that occurs during Match Week for medical residency programs. It allows programs with unfilled positions to offer those positions to eligible applicants who did not match or only partially matched during the main residency Match process.

SOAP operates through a series of offer rounds, where eligible applicants can receive and consider offers from programs with available positions. This system provides a structured and uniform approach to help fill remaining residency positions and give unmatched or partially matched applicants another opportunity to secure a training position.

During SOAP, applicants have the opportunity to apply for and receive offers from unfilled programs, and they can accept or reject these offers based on their preferences and career goals. This process aims to ensure that as many residency positions as possible are filled, benefiting both programs and applicants.

NRMP SOAP Match 2024 Dates

It is crucial to be aware of the key dates for the 2024 SOAP process. These dates play a significant role in the SOAP timeline and understanding them will help applicants navigate the matching process effectively.

– Monday, March 11th: Applicants receive notification of whether they have matched or not. If you have not fully matched, you become eligible to participate in SOAP. you can’t apply if you Matched.

– Tuesday, March 12th: SOAP begins at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time. Applicants can start applying to unfilled programs.

– Thursday, March 14th: SOAP rounds continue from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

– Friday, March 15th: Match Day! Applicants find out where they matched.

SOAP Additional:

The SOAP process can be stressful as you only have two days to make your decisions once the results are shown. When you submit your application, make sure to keep your mobile ringtone on high volume and constantly check your email as you will need to respond immediately.

You might be asleep when your application is being reviewed, so it’s important to stay alert and responsive. You never know when they might call you.

Accepting Offers:

  • The SOAP rounds commence on Thursday at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time.
  • Offers will be sent to applicants during the SOAP rounds, and applicants will have a limited time period to either accept or reject these offers.

SOAP Match 2024 Results

If you were accepted into a certain program the program will contact you, stay connected, and your phone on high volume.

List of SOAP Programs

  • Choose your program selections carefully during the Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program (SOAP); there is a limit of 45 program selections across all medical specialties.
  • Programs will begin reviewing applications on Tuesday at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time.
  • Remain readily available and responsive throughout the SOAP process.
  • Do not contact programs outside of the SOAP timeframe unless they initiate contact with you first.

Match Day 2024

Match Day is a significant event for residency applicants. In this section, we will explain the importance of Match Day and what applicants can expect during the 2024 match. Proper preparations and managing expectations are crucial for a successful Match Day experience.

SOAP Match Statistics

Presenting SOAP match statistics and data can provide valuable insights into the trends and outcomes of the SOAP process. Understanding these statistics will help applicants gain a better understanding of the SOAP match and make informed decisions.

Eligibility & SOAP Rules:

  1. applications must go through ERAS
  2. APPLICANTS must submit but not network in addition to submission
  3. programs make the first contact with applicants, not vice versa
  4. applicant cannot contact the program directly
  5. programs are being asked to report any applicant who initiates contact as this is a policy violation
  6. programs can use email or phone to contact you so do keep an active number & stay close to your phone
  7. programs are not allowed to ask if you will accept an offer
  8. Soap ends on March 14th at 9 PM EST
medical student applying to SOAP

SOAP 2024 Residency

For residency program applicants, the SOAP process holds specific considerations. In this section, we will focus on the SOAP process for residency programs and discuss strategies and considerations for SOAP 2024 residency applicants. These insights will help applicants navigate the SOAP process successfully.

General Tips and Advice:

  1. Prepare an editable variation of your personal statement
  2. You can still get new LOR uploaded for your SOAP Application
  3. if you didn’t certify and submit your application during the main match, you can still do so to participate in SOAP

FAQ Section

Here are some frequently asked questions about the SOAP process:

What is SOAP Match Day?

SOAP (Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program) Match Day refers to the process that takes place after the main medical residency match, where unmatched applicants are offered unfilled positions.

What happens if you don’t match in SOAP?

If you do not match during the main residency match, you will have the opportunity to participate in SOAP to try and secure an available position. If you are unsuccessful in SOAP, you will remain unmatched and will need to reapply for the next residency match cycle.

Is there SOAP for the fellowship match?

Yes, there is a SOAP process for the fellowship match as well, which allows unmatched fellowship applicants to try and secure available fellowship positions.

What is match week?

Match week refers to the week leading up to and including Match Day, where the results of the residency and fellowship matches are announced.

What time does Match Day start?

Match Day typically starts at 12:00 PM Eastern Time on the designated Match Day.

What year does Match Day happen?

Match Day occurs annually, with the specific date varying year-to-year, but typically falling in late March or early April.

What happens on Match Day?

On Match Day, medical students and other applicants learn where they have been matched for their residency or fellowship programs.

What to expect on Match Day?

On Match Day, applicants can expect an emotional and exciting experience as they discover where they will be training for the next several years of their medical careers.

What are Match Day results?

Match Day results refer to the specific placements of each applicant, indicating the residency or fellowship program they have been matched with.

What is the SOAP process?

The SOAP (Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program) process is an opportunity for unmatched medical school graduates to secure a residency position after the main Match. It involves applying to and accepting offers from unfilled residency programs.

How can I stay updated on the SOAP timeline?

To stay updated on the SOAP timeline, you should closely monitor communications from the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) and your medical school’s career services office. They will provide the key dates and deadlines for the SOAP process.

What are the key dates for the 2024 SOAP process?

The key dates for the 2024 SOAP process have not been officially announced yet, but typically include:

SOAP Round 1 opening on Thursday at 9 am ET
Subsequent SOAP rounds occurring over the following days
The final SOAP acceptance deadline

Historical SOAP match data shows that certain specialties and programs are more commonly available during SOAP. Analyzing past SOAP outcomes can help identify emerging trends and patterns to guide your application strategy.

How can I research and understand SOAP program options?

Thoroughly research the SOAP-participating programs by reviewing their websites, speaking with current residents, and consulting resources like the FREIDA database. This will help you identify programs that align with your career goals.

What should I expect on Match Day 2024?

On Match Day 2024, you can expect an emotional experience as you learn where you have been matched for residency. For those who did not match in the main process, the SOAP outcome will be a critical part of this day.

What insights can I gain from SOAP match statistics and data?

Analyzing SOAP match statistics and data can provide valuable insights, such as:

The competitiveness of different specialties and programs during SOAP
Trends in the number of positions available through SOAP over time
Factors that may influence SOAP outcomes, such as applicant credentials.

What strategies should I consider for SOAP 2024 residency applications?

Key strategies for SOAP 2024 may include:

Thoroughly researching and ranking SOAP program options
Maintaining open communication with program directors
Ensuring you have all required application materials ready to submit
Practicing for potential interviews during the SOAP process

We hope this blog post has provided you with valuable information on the SOAP process for those who don’t match. Understanding the SOAP timeline, match results, and residency considerations will help applicants navigate the process successfully. If you have any further questions, please feel free to reach out to us.