Post-Match SOAP: A Step-By-Step Guide

For unmatched residency applicants, SOAP week is a fast-paced, high-pressure opportunity to secure a position—essentially a mini-match on hyperspeed.

Here’s a snapshot of how SOAP works: You’ll receive a list of unfilled programs (for all specialties), select up to 45 programs to apply to, assign your documents, and wait for interviews. The primary differences between the SOAP and the main match are the timeframe (1 week versus 5.5 months) and the number of programs you can apply to (45 versus unlimited).

Here’s the breakdown of the Post-Match SOAP week:

MONDAY (Application Day)

At 10 a.m. EST, find out if you are matched, partially matched, or unmatched. If partially matched or unmatched, you’ll receive a list of unfilled programs. This list is confidential; do not share it with anyone.

Action items

You can apply to a max of 45 programs…and you need to do so today. Start researching and make a list of your top choices.
Submit your 45 applications well before the 8 am ET deadline on Tuesday.

TUESDAY (Interview Day 1)

Programs begin reviewing applications at 8 am ET and start sending interview invitations. These are sent via email or a phone call and often take place on very short notice. In fact, don’t be surprised if a phone call ends up being the interview.

Action items

Be available for interviews all day. Ensure you have good internet connection and that your US phone number is active.
It’s inconvenient…but be dressed for an interview all day.
If you do interview, record your thoughts about the PD/faculty/program immediately afterward. You may have to make a hard decision on offer day, and you’ll be grateful you have notes to look back at. Here are some topics to consider:
- Quality of training & access to research/fellowship opportunities.
- Location and proximity to support systems.
- Program structure and clinical focus.
- Faculty and leadership impressions from the interview.

WEDNESDAY (Interview Day 2)

Interviews, all day.

Action items

Same as Tuesday!

THURSDAY (Offer Day)

Programs offer residency positions to candidates via the R3 system in 4 rounds, and it takes all day. Round 1 begins at 9 am ET. Applicants must accept or reject offers by 11 am. Round 2 begins at 12 pm ET, following the same timeframe, and then again for rounds 3 and 4.

When a round concludes, rejected offers are fully rescinded. So, if you reject an offer from a program in round 1 in hopes of a different offer during another round…and you don’t get one…you will go unmatched. Here’s where those notes you took during SOAP interviews will be helpful.

Post-Match SOAP ends at 9 pm ET.

Action items

Be prepared to get a 1st round offer from a place you don’t like. Know what you will do in this situation AND who you will call to discuss your options with.
When rounds are done: relax for the first time in months since you finally know the results of the match.
Regardless of whether or not you matched, take a moment to give yourself credit for all the time, passion, and energy you put into your match season. Making it through the process is a testament to your commitment to medicine and something to be proud of.

FRIDAY (Match Day)

Those who matched in the main season find out where they matched. If you matched during SOAP, you’ll already know because you will have accepted an offer.

After the Post-Match SOAP

If you didn’t match in the SOAP, head back to R3 for the list of post-SOAP unfilled programs. You can reach out to them directly to ask about their application process (some use ERAS, others don’t).

Common requirements include:

Professional CV -OR- ERAS CV
Letters of Recommendation
Statement of Interest/Personal Statement and/or Response to program-specific prompts/questions

We hope this content has added clarity to the SOAP process and given you ideas on how to prepare. Over the years, we’ve worked with many clients who matched during the SOAP. Fine-tuning your PS is absolutely KEY, and so is getting LoRs from any new experiences. If you need help navigating the Post-Match SOAP, we’re here to help!

The SOAP process may be one of the most intense experiences of your medical journey, but it’s also a testament to your perseverance and adaptability. Whether or not you match this week, you’ve demonstrated the determination and dedication that define a great physician.