SOAP Residency: How The Supplemental Offer And Acceptance Program Works

Key Takeaways:

• What SOAP Is: The Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program (SOAP) provides unmatched medical students an opportunity to fill residency positions that remain available after the main Match results are released.
• Why Timing Matters: Knowing the SOAP timeline and eligibility criteria is crucial for moving through this swift process with confidence.
• How To Succeed: Key strategies for success during SOAP include refining your application materials, leveraging resources for interview preparation, and maintaining a positive mindset throughout the process.

 

During Match season, there’s bound to be a billion questions buzzing in your mind: Where will I Match? What if I don’t Match? Even with careful planning and a polished application, there’s no guarantee that you'll land in your top-choice program — and that’s okay! It’s not the end of your journey. The SOAP residency process (Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program) offers a second chance to secure a spot in a residency program, but it moves fast. Whether you’re anticipating the possibility of going unmatched or just want to be prepared, understanding how SOAP works can make all the difference.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essentials of the SOAP process, from eligibility and timelines to application strategy and mindset. And because OnlineMedEd is committed to supporting you through every stage of medical training, we’ll share resources that can help you stay focused, confident, and ready to pivot when plans change. Match Day might be unpredictable, but your preparation doesn’t have to be.

 

 

What Is The Supplemental Offer And Acceptance Program (SOAP)?

The Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program (SOAP) is a structured pathway during Match Week that gives unmatched or partially matched medical students another opportunity to secure a residency position. It’s a critical option, offering several rounds of offers from programs with unfilled slots. While landing in SOAP may feel like a curveball, it’s better to think of it as a second chance. With preparation, perspective, and the right support, SOAP can become a powerful turning point.

 

Eligibility Requirements For SOAP Participation

To be eligible for SOAP, you must first be registered for the NRMP Main Residency Match and go unmatched or partially matched after results are released. This includes applicants who are either not matched into any programs or have only secured a preliminary position without a categorical or advanced slot. U.S. MD and DO graduates, as well as international medical graduates, are eligible if they meet additional requirements, such as being certified or certification-eligible by the ECFMG (Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates).

 

How The SOAP Process Works

SOAP moves incredibly fast — usually across four offer rounds within a few days. So, it’s essential to stay organized and act decisively. Applicants can apply to up to 45 unfilled programs via ERAS, but offers are strictly time-bound, and communication is limited during the process. That’s why navigating the SOAP program requires more than just quick reflexes. It demands emotional resilience, logistical preparation, and a smart strategy grounded in self-awareness.

 

How OnlineMedEd Helps You Prepare For SOAP

At OnlineMedEd, we know how overwhelming this moment can feel, so we built the 2025 Match Residency Resource Center to support students through every phase. Inside, you’ll find mindfulness tips, application guidance, and free weekly video lessons from our Intern Bootcamp — a hands-on series designed to prepare you for life on the wards. Only one lesson is released each week, and once it’s gone, it’s gone! So, be sure to bookmark the page and check back often.

With our PACE learning framework, high-yield Clinical Content, and free tools available through ClubMedEd, you’ll be equipped to meet SOAP eligibility and make the most of it. And remember, participating in SOAP doesn’t define your worth as a future physician. It’s simply another route forward. With the right mindset, you can absolutely continue pursuing the career you’ve worked so hard for.

 

Understanding The SOAP Timeline

The Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program (SOAP) moves fast — really fast. While most applicants successfully match into a residency program (over 93% of U.S. MD seniors matched in 2024, according to NRMP data), it’s still smart to know the SOAP timeline just in case. Being prepared ahead of time can help you stay calm, focused, and ready to act if needed.

 

Monday–Tuesday: Application Preparation And Program Selection

SOAP officially begins during Match Week, which typically kicks off on a Monday at 10 a.m. ET, when all residency applicants learn whether they matched. If you find out that you’re unmatched or only partially matched, you’ll be eligible to participate in SOAP if you meet the criteria. From that moment, things shift quickly, but that doesn’t mean you have to panic.

Between Monday and Tuesday at 8 a.m. ET, unmatched applicants can access the list of unfilled residency programs through the NRMP® R3® system. During this window, you can finalize and submit your applications to up to 45 unfilled programs using ERAS. It's a short turnaround, so having updated application materials (i.e., your personal statement, CV, and Letters of Recommendation) ready ahead of time is key.

 

Wednesday–Thursday: SOAP Offer Rounds Begin

Starting Wednesday, SOAP enters the offer phase. There are up to four rounds of offers that unfold between Wednesday and Thursday, and each offer round gives applicants a two-hour window to accept or decline. If you decline an offer or don’t receive one in a round, you remain eligible for the next. Programs may also extend new offers in later rounds based on rejections from other candidates, so flexibility and focus matter.

Throughout SOAP, communication is tightly controlled. You won’t be able to reach out to programs, and they won’t contact you either. Everything happens through the official NRMP system. That’s why preparation is everything.

 

Stay Ready, Stay Grounded

At OnlineMedEd, we believe that clarity is the first step toward confidence. From our 2025 Match Residency Resource Center to free resources on our blog like tips for writing a great personal statement for residency applications, we’re here to help you stay organized and grounded. While SOAP can feel intense, if you don’t match, it can also serve as a window of hope — one that may reshape your path in medicine for the better.

 

Crafting An Effective SOAP Application

SOAP moves quickly, so it’s important to have a strong application ready to submit if you find yourself needing it. At OnlineMedEd, we know this is a high-stakes phase, but it’s also an opportunity to showcase your growth, experience, and readiness to step into residency. Here’s how to craft a focused, effective application on a time crunch:

1. Understand Your Audience: Think about what program directors value: clinical competence, professionalism, and alignment with their team’s culture and goals. Highlight your experiences and strengths that speak to these priorities. At OnlineMedEd, we encourage you to lead with authenticity, presenting your story in a way that reflects both your journey and your potential contributions.
2. Communicate Clearly And Concisely: Keep your writing focused and easy to follow. Whether it’s your personal statement or activity descriptions, avoid fluff and overly technical language. Clear, direct communication demonstrates thoughtfulness and precision. Plus, it’s a key skill in both patient care and teamwork.
3. Emphasize Relevant Experience: Use the ERAS application to highlight clinical rotations, research, volunteer work, or leadership roles that prepared you for the demands of residency. Focus especially on experiences relevant to the specialties you’re applying to. OnlineMedEd’s structured curriculum is designed to help you build and articulate these strengths — this is your moment to reflect them on the page.
4. Seek Feedback: Before submitting, have mentors or peers review your materials. Constructive criticism can highlight areas for improvement that you may have overlooked. A second set of eyes can help catch unclear wording, missed opportunities, or inconsistencies in tone. 
5. Practice Resilience: SOAP can be a whirlwind, but staying grounded is part of what sets strong applicants apart. If you’ve faced setbacks or unexpected turns, don’t hide them — reflect on what you’ve learned and how you’ve grown. That kind of self-awareness speaks volumes about your readiness for residency.

Remember, crafting an effective SOAP application is not just about fulfilling requirements. It's about telling your unique story in a way that resonates with program directors, demonstrating both your capabilities and your potential impact on future patient care.

Strategies For Success During SOAP

Navigating SOAP can be a daunting experience, but with the right strategies, you can position yourself for success. Here are some key approaches to consider:

1. Stay Informed And Proactive: Understanding the logistics of SOAP is essential. Familiarize yourself with the timeline, documentation requirements, and how the offer rounds work. Use calendars, reminders, and digital tools to stay on top of key deadlines so nothing slips through the cracks.
2. Refine Your Application: Take a close look at your initial residency application to identify any aspects of your ERAS materials that need improvement. Update your personal statement to reflect your growth and current goals, and tailor it for the specific types of programs you're targeting. Remember to express enthusiasm and adaptability specific to the programs you are applying to through SOAP.
3. Leverage Trusted Resources: OnlineMedEd delivers content through a unified voice — including notes, challenge questions, and review tools like Anki flashcards integrated into our curriculum — which helps you streamline your studies and retain what matters most. If you're looking for practical advice on how to remember things under pressure, our PACE methodology is built to reinforce understanding and retention, so you’re prepared for both interviews and real-world clinical decision-making.
4. Lean On Your Support Network: Mentors, advisors, and even peers can offer insights that boost your confidence and refine your interview approach. Emotional support also matters. Being surrounded by people who truly believe in you can help you stay calm and focused.
5. Be Ready For Interviews: During SOAP, interviews can happen with little warning, so preparation is key. Brush up on common residency interview preparation strategies and rehearse concise responses that communicate your strengths, adaptability, and commitment to patient care. Don’t forget to prepare thoughtful questions to ask residency programs that show you're serious about finding the right fit. 
6. Maintain A Positive Perspective: SOAP isn’t a setback, and it’s important to remain enthusiastic and appreciative throughout the whole process. Many excellent physicians have matched through this route. Stay focused on your long-term goals, and remember that the right program for you may be one you hadn’t initially considered.

By implementing these strategies, you position yourself to approach SOAP with a clear vision for success. OnlineMedEd is here to support and empower you every step of the way, ensuring you're well-prepared for the path ahead.

Final Thoughts

Navigating the SOAP residency process can feel overwhelming, but understanding how SOAP works is a key part of turning uncertainty into opportunity. At OnlineMedEd, we’re here to help you approach this stage with clarity and confidence — whether you’re refining your application strategy, preparing for interviews, or reassessing your goals. 

SOAP is a structured path that gives unmatched applicants a real shot at finding the right fit. At OnlineMedEd, we aim to lighten the cognitive load and empower you to make educated decisions. No matter how your Match Week unfolds, we’re committed to helping you move forward — resilient, prepared, and ready to thrive.

Read also:

• Heartbreak And Hope: International Medical Graduates, And The Match Day Rollercoaster
• What Are My Chances Of Matching?
• A Primer To The US Residency Matching System

Frequently Asked Questions About SOAP Residency

What if I don't match through SOAP?

Not matching through SOAP can feel disheartening, but it’s not the end of your path in medicine. Many students go on to strengthen their applications through research, additional clinical experience, or academic work before reapplying. Reach out to mentors, advisors, or professional organizations for tailored guidance. At OnlineMedEd, we’re here to support your continued growth with resources that help you build critical skills, reinforce foundational knowledge, and stay mentally resilient as you plan your next steps.

Do all unfilled residency positions participate in SOAP?

No, not all unfilled positions are offered through SOAP. Participation is voluntary, and some programs may choose to fill their spots independently. During Match Week, the NRMP posts a list of participating programs with unfilled positions. Monitoring this list closely ensures you’re focusing your efforts on programs that are actually accessible through SOAP.

How are offers extended during SOAP?

SOAP offers are made in a series of timed rounds through the ERAS system. Programs review applications and send offers electronically, while applicants have a limited window — usually two hours — to accept or decline. This structured process keeps communication fair and efficient for both sides, so it’s important to stay alert and ready to respond promptly.

Are SOAP results binding?

Yes, accepting a SOAP offer is binding. Once you accept a position, you are officially matched to that program and cannot pursue other offers or participate in future Match activities for the current cycle. Make sure to accept only when you’re confident in your decision, and use all the information available to choose a program that aligns with your goals.

When do SOAP results come out?

SOAP offer rounds take place over several days during Match Week, typically from Wednesday to Thursday. Results are released immediately after each round concludes. The NRMP provides a detailed timeline in advance, so you can track key deadlines and prepare accordingly.

Is there a fee to participate in SOAP?

Currently, there is no additional fee to participate in SOAP if you are already registered with the NRMP and have applied to programs through ERAS. However, you may incur additional ERAS fees if you submit applications to new programs during SOAP. Be sure your AAMC account is funded appropriately so that cost doesn’t limit your ability to seize opportunities.