What Residency Programs Are Looking for During SOAP Week — and How to Set Yourself Up for Success

You’ve already done the hard emotional work of accepting that you’re entering SOAP Week. You’ve processed the shock, the disappointment, the uncertainty — all the feelings that come with not matching the first time around. So, let’s shift gears.

This post isn’t about emotions; it’s about strategy. It’s about understanding what residency programs are really looking for during the SOAP process — and how you can use that insight to put your best foot forward.

While SOAP week can feel like chaos from the applicant side, from the program side it’s just as intense — a fast-moving process where faculty and coordinators are trying to fill positions with capable, ready, and professional candidates as quickly as possible. When you understand their mindset, you can tailor your approach to stand out.

Seeing SOAP Through a Program Director’s Eyes

It’s easy to think of SOAP week as a scramble for spots, but from the program’s perspective, it’s more like controlled triage. Programs are under immense pressure to review hundreds of applications in just a few days and identify the right people to bring onto their teams.

What’s the first thing they’re looking for? Eligibility. Before anything else, they need to confirm you meet the basic criteria to start on July 1 — things like your medical school status, ECFMG certification if you’re an IMG, and any licensing or visa requirements. If there’s even a question mark here, they may move on to the next applicant because this process moves quickly. So make sure everything about your application is clear and up to date.

Once eligibility is confirmed, programs shift their attention to readiness and fit. They want to know if you can step into the role confidently and adapt quickly to their environment. Remember, SOAP positions often fill critical needs, and the timeline between offer and acceptance is short. Programs are drawn to applicants who seem dependable, motivated, and capable of contributing from day one.

And finally, programs are looking for clarity. SOAP is fast. Directors don’t have time to dig through a confusing or incomplete application. The more organized and polished your materials are, the easier it is for them to say yes.

What “Fit” Really Means During SOAP Week

“Fit” is one of those words that gets thrown around so often it can sound vague. But during SOAP, it takes on a specific, practical meaning. Fit doesn’t necessarily mean you’re the most brilliant student or have the most publications — it means you look like someone who would genuinely thrive in their program’s environment.

If you’re applying to a family medicine program, your personal statement and experience should communicate that you’re interested in broad-spectrum care, continuity with patients, and community engagement. If you’re pivoting from a different specialty, it’s okay to be honest about that — but frame it in a way that shows you’ve reflected and are ready to commit. Programs appreciate applicants who know who they are and can articulate why this new direction makes sense for them.

Letters of recommendation matter, too, but not just for prestige. A strong, recent letter that speaks to your clinical competence, teamwork, and professionalism will carry more weight than a fancy letter from someone who barely knows you. Programs want reassurance that you’ll be a reliable resident and a good colleague.

And yes, flexibility helps. SOAP applicants who can be open-minded about location, program type, or even specialty often have more options. Programs notice that attitude. When they sense you’re genuinely willing to be part of their team — even if it’s not in your dream city — it makes a difference.

Preparing for SOAP Week Like a Pro

The week itself moves quickly, so the more preparation you do beforehand, the calmer and more strategic you’ll feel when it starts.

Before SOAP begins, take the time to refresh your ERAS application. Update your personal statement so it reflects your current goals and enthusiasm for the specialty and programs you’re applying to. Make sure your CV, transcripts, and exam results are all current, and double-check that your letters of recommendation are uploaded. A clean, complete application communicates professionalism, organization, and preparedness — all things programs are actively looking for.

Next, reflect on your specialty choices. SOAP limits you to 45 applications, so you’ll need to be thoughtful. Which programs or specialties align most closely with your strengths and interests? Which ones are realistic given your qualifications? A strategic mix of programs that you’re both eligible for and excited about will maximize your chances.

As soon as the list of unfilled programs is released, start researching. Read their websites, look up their missions, and familiarize yourself with their values. If you get an interview invitation, even briefly, saying “I read about your focus on community health, and that’s something I really value,” shows effort and authenticity — two qualities that stand out in SOAP interviews.

During SOAP week itself, time is everything. Be ready to act quickly once applications open. Keep your phone nearby, your email refreshed, and your video setup tested. Interviews can happen with little notice, sometimes within hours. Even though it’s a high-speed process, treat every interview like a regular residency interview. Dress professionally, be engaged, and stay positive.

When you speak with programs, convey readiness. Instead of focusing on the disappointment of not matching, emphasize your excitement to begin residency training and your ability to adapt. A calm, confident presence under pressure sends a strong signal that you’re exactly the type of resident they want on their team.

Understanding the Offer Process

If you receive an offer, act quickly—you’ll only have a short time to accept or decline. That means you should have a clear sense of your priorities before the offer rounds begin. Think about what matters most to you: location, specialty, program structure, or long-term career goals. Having this clarity ahead of time will help you make decisions quickly and confidently when the offers start to roll in.

And if the offers don’t come through during SOAP, don’t lose hope. Many applicants go on to find opportunities in the weeks and months that follow. Stay professional, keep your materials ready, and continue networking. Late openings happen, and persistence often pays off.

What Programs Really Want — In Plain Language

When you boil it all down, programs are looking for five simple things during SOAP Week. They want applicants who are eligible to start, ready to contribute, able to communicate clearly, fit in well with their team, and maintain professionalism under pressure. That’s it.

You don’t have to be perfect — you just have to be prepared. Programs aren’t expecting glossy perfection during SOAP; they’re looking for reliability and maturity. If you can show that you’re grounded, flexible, and ready to work, you’ll stand out in the best way possible.

Final Thoughts

SOAP Week is one of the most stressful experiences in medical training, but it’s also one of the most transformative. It forces you to move quickly, think strategically, and present your best self in a condensed window of time.

The key is to focus on what you can control: your preparation, your professionalism, and your presence. Make your application clean and complete. Stay calm and kind in every interaction. And remember that the program directors on the other side of the screen are human, too — they’re rooting for this process to work just as much as you are.

Approach the week with energy, flexibility, and gratitude for the chance to keep moving forward. Whether you find your match through SOAP or shortly after, the mindset you build here — one of resilience, readiness, and adaptability — will serve you throughout your entire career.