Introduction: Why SOAP Matters

Match Week is one of the most exciting (and nerve-wracking) times in a medical student’s journey. By Monday of match week, you’ll find out whether you matched. For many students, this brings relief and celebration. But for some, it’s the start of an incredibly stressful process: The Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program (SOAP).

SOAP is the structured, accelerated system that gives unmatched or partially matched applicants a chance to secure a residency spot in unfilled programs. Think of it as a lifeline — a second chance to land a residency position and keep moving forward in your medical career.

Even if you feel confident about your chances in the Match, preparing for SOAP is one of the smartest things you can do. Why? Because being ready means you’ll act quickly and strategically if the unexpected happens. In this post, we’ll break down what SOAP is, how to prepare for it in advance, and how to maximize your chances of success.

What Is SOAP, Exactly?

The Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program (SOAP) is run by the NRMP during Match Week. It helps unmatched or partially matched applicants connect with residency programs that still have unfilled positions. Be aware that there may or may not be any programs with unfilled positions in your initial specialty of choice, which means that you would likely have to consider the remaining positions in other specialties if you do choose to participate in the SOAP process.  

Here’s the quick breakdown of how SOAP works:

• Eligibility: You must be registered for the Match, certified by the NRMP, and unmatched or partially matched. 
• Timeline: SOAP begins the Monday of Match Week after applicants learn their Match status. From Monday to Thursday, multiple “offer rounds” take place where programs extend offers and applicants can accept or decline.
• Process: Programs with unfilled positions review SOAP applicants’ ERAS materials (personal statement, CV, letters, etc.) and decide whom to interview. Interviews during SOAP are usually virtual and often very brief.
• Offers: Applicants may receive multiple offers during each round but can only accept one. Once accepted, the process ends — you’re matched into that program.

SOAP is fast-paced, structured, and highly competitive. But if you prepare well, it can also be your opportunity to secure a residency spot that launches your career.

Why SOAP Preparation Is Critical

Many students think, “I’ll worry about SOAP if I don’t match.” The problem with this mindset is that SOAP moves incredibly quickly. By the time Monday of Match Week arrives, you’ll need polished materials, strong strategy, and a clear head to respond effectively.

Preparation ahead of time gives you:

• Updated materials (CV, personal statements, LoRs) that are SOAP-ready.
• Flexibility to apply broadly without scrambling.
• Confidence that you’re ready for any outcome on Match Monday.

Remember: preparing for SOAP doesn’t mean you’re expecting not to match. It means you’re being proactive and professional.

How to Prepare for SOAP in Advance

Here’s what you can do before Match Week to set yourself up for success:

1. Have SOAP-Friendly Personal Statements Ready

Programs in SOAP want to see your genuine interest in their specialty. Write at least one backup personal statement tailored for a field you’d consider if you don’t match into your primary specialty (eg, Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, Pediatrics, Psychiatry). Hopefully, this field can be related to your initial specialty of choice and would still be one that you could show genuine passion and excitement for as well. 

2. Update Your ERAS Application

Keep your CV, experiences, and activities current. Any last-minute updates (eg, research experiences, volunteer work, recent rotations) should be included before SOAP begins.

3. Confirm Letters of Recommendation

If possible, ask for one or two extra letters in a broad specialty that could be useful for SOAP (eg, IM or FM). Programs want reassurance of your clinical ability, so having a solid generalist letter helps.

4. Know the SOAP Timeline

SOAP rounds are quick, and each has strict deadlines. Review the NRMP’s official SOAP calendar so you’re not caught off guard.

5. Plan Logistically

SOAP interviews are usually short (phone or virtual) and may pop up at any time during the process. Make sure you have:

• A quiet space for interviews.
• Reliable internet and phone service.
• A polished, concise “SOAP pitch” (30-second summary of who you are and why you’d be a great resident).

Maximizing Your Chances During SOAP

Once SOAP begins, strategy and mindset are everything. Here’s how to make the most of the process:

1. Apply Broadly and Realistically

SOAP is not the time to be picky. Apply to a wide range of programs and consider specialties outside your first choice. While it would be great to choose a related specialty, keep in mind that many unmatched students also find rewarding careers in specialties they hadn’t considered before.

2. Tailor Quickly, But Effectively

If you can, adjust personal statements or application notes to show enthusiasm for specific programs. Even small edits (“I’m particularly interested in your program’s patient population and commitment to community care…”) can make a difference. Mention certain ties that you have to specific programs or locations that can also help explain why you would be a great fit for those programs. 

3. Be Ready for Fast Interviews

Programs may call with short, focused questions. Practice concise answers to common SOAP interview questions like:

• “Why are you interested in our program?”
• “Why this specialty?”
• “What strengths do you bring as a resident?”

Think sound bites, not essays. These interviews will likely be much shorter than the interviews you did initially throughout the interview season. This is because there are only a few days for applicants and programs to finalize their match lists through the SOAP process. Have clear, specific, and concise answers ready so that you can explain your interest and fit to programs while remaining respectful of their time during this process. 

4. Stay Professional and Positive

SOAP can be stressful and emotional, but professionalism is key. Programs want residents who can handle challenges gracefully. Focus on your strengths and adaptability, not disappointment from the Match.

5. Lean on Your Support System

Advisors, mentors, friends, and family can help keep you grounded during SOAP week. Having someone to review application materials or run mock interviews with you can make a huge difference.

Tutor Tips: What I Tell Students

• Start SOAP prep early. Even if you’re confident, you’ll feel better knowing you’re ready for any outcome. This is especially true for students applying into the more competitive specialties (dermatology, surgical subspecialties, ophthalmology, etc.)
• Don’t rule out primary care. Many unmatched students end up thriving in Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, or Pediatrics. These fields often have SOAP spots and provide excellent careers.
• Keep your perspective. SOAP can feel like a detour, but many successful physicians got their start this way. What matters is your growth during residency, not how you got there.
• Control what you can. You can’t control which programs have open spots — but you can control your preparation, professionalism, and attitude.

Takeaway: SOAP Is a Second Chance, and It’s Strategic

SOAP is not failure — it’s an opportunity. Preparing early, keeping a flexible mindset, and approaching the process strategically can make the difference between panic and success.

Remember:

• Step 1 → SOAP prep is smart planning, not pessimism.
• Step 2 → During SOAP, speed and professionalism matter most.
• Step 3 → Your career isn’t defined by Match Week, but by the physician you become.

So breathe, prepare, and know that even if Match Week takes an unexpected turn, you have the tools and resilience to navigate it successfully.

SOAP Quick-Reference Checklist