The Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program (SOAP) is a high-stakes, fast-moving process that provides unmatched medical graduates with a second chance at securing a residency position.

If you’re entering Match Week uncertain about your outcome, being prepared can make all the difference. Here are five tips to help you navigate SOAP this year.

1. If there’s a chance you may SOAP, prepare ahead of time.

SOAP moves quickly—too quickly to start preparing once you find out you didn’t match. If there’s even a slight chance you may SOAP, prepare ahead of time by:

• Updating your personal statement
• Creating a list of potential letter writers who can quickly provide recommendations or gathering extra letters of recommendations ahead of time if you may apply to other specialties
• Practicing your interview skills

Preparing before Match Week will help you act fast and maximize your chances of securing a position.

2. Understand the rules and process of SOAP

SOAP is not like the standard residency match process. Misunderstanding its rules and process can put you at a disadvantage. There are strict guidelines on how many applications you can send and how offers are made.

Take time to review ERAS and NRMP SOAP guidelines so you don’t miss important deadlines or limit your opportunities. Here’s what you need to know:

Eligibility

To participate in SOAP, applicants must be:

1. Registered with NRMP for the Main Residency Match®.
2. Eligible to enter graduate medical education on July 1, 2025, as verified by the applicant’s medical school or the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG™), a member of Intealth™.
3. Unmatched or partially matched on Monday of Match Week.

Your verification status can be found on your Home Page in the NRMP’s R3 system. On Monday, March 17, your SOAP eligibility status will be displayed alongside your match results.

Key rules

• Applicants can only apply to programs on the List of Unfilled Programs using the application service or process designated by the program.
• No direct communication with programs before they initiate contact.
• No ranking or negotiating SOAP offers. You must accept or decline each offer individually.
• Once you accept a SOAP offer, you are committed to that program and cannot accept another position.

If unmatched after SOAP, you can explore non-traditional options such as research, externships, or reapplying next year.

SOAP 2025 Schedule

Monday, March 17

• 10:00 a.m. ET – Applicants find out via email if they matched.
  • SOAP-eligible unmatched and partially-matched applicants are able to access the List of Unfilled Programs through the R3 system.
• 11:00 a.m. ET – MyERAS opens for SOAP applicants to prepare their applications.

Tuesday, March 18

• 8:00 a.m. ET – Programs begin reviewing applications and contact applicants for interviews.

Thursday, March 20

• 9:00 a.m. ET – Applicants receive Round 1 offers in the R3 system.
• 11:00 a.m. ET – Applicant deadline to accept/reject Round 1 offers. SOAP Round 2 begins.
• 12:00 p.m. ET – Applicants receive Round 2 offers.
• 2:00 p.m. ET – Applicant deadline to accept/reject Round 2 offers. SOAP Round 3 begins.
• 3:00 p.m. ET – Applicants receive Round 3 offers.
• 5:00 p.m. ET – Applicant deadline to accept/reject Round 3 offers. SOAP Round 4 begins.
• 6:00 p.m. ET – Applicants receive Round 4 offers.
• 8:00 p.m. ET – Applicant deadline to accept/reject Round 4 offers.
• 9:00 p.m. ET – SOAP ends. The List of Unfilled Programs is available through the R3 system to all unmatched and partially-matched applicants.

3. Know what factors are most important to you

Not all residency programs are created equally, and during SOAP, you may have to make quick decisions about where to apply. Before Match Week, determine what matters most to you—location, specialty, program reputation, or something else. While flexibility is key, having a clear idea of your priorities will help you make informed decisions under pressure.

4. Take time to mourn, then get to work

Learning you didn’t match on Monday of Match Week can feel devastating. It’s important to process these feelings. Acknowledge your emotions, lean on your support system, and give yourself a moment to reset before moving forward.

Know not matching on Monday isn’t the end of the road. After taking a bit of time to process, it’s time to get to work and do what you can to secure a residency position by the end of the week.

5. Approach your future with confidence

SOAP can feel overwhelming, but a confident mindset can set you apart. Instead of focusing on the disappointment of not matching, view SOAP as an opportunity.

Programs participating in SOAP are actively looking for strong candidates—present yourself as a valuable addition to their team. Be professional, adaptable, and ready to highlight why you would be an excellent fit for any program you apply to.

We wish you the best during Match Week!

We hope you don’t have to use these tips during Match Week, but if you do have to go through the SOAP process, we hope this information will help you navigate it with confidence.

SOAP can be high pressure, but preparation and strategic decision-making can make all the difference. We wish you luck throughout the Match process!

If you are entering the Match in 2025, be sure to check out our Match Day Giveaway. We are giving two incoming residents $1,500 each. Don’t miss out! Enter the giveaway »