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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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:
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.