The Post-Match Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program® (SOAP®) is not an option most residency candidates want to consider until they absolutely have to. And, that is very understandable! Thinking about the Post-Match may feel like thinking about the possibility of not receiving a Match through the Main Residency Match®, which can be a very scary thought. However, Post-Match SOAP Preparation is important.

If you have less than 10 programs on your Rank Order List, like it or not, it may be time to at least consider doing some Post-Match SOAP preparation. If you deem the Post-Match might be a part of your future, the best thing you can do for yourself is start getting ready well ahead of time.

You can take the following steps to make the most out your Post-Match SOAP preparation:

Make sure you are eligible:

1. Register for NRMP® by the Rank Order List Deadline on March 1st, 2023
2. Be able to enter a program July 1st, 2023
   1. USMGs – Your medical school must clear your graduation qualifications
   2. IMGs – You must have your USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK scores completed and verified by NRMP (via ECFMG) by the week before The Match®
   3. For more on eligibility, visit the NRMP’s Guide here

Look at data from the 2022 Post-Match SOAP and start considering which specialties you will be applying to.

1. Read more Post-Match statistics made easy by Electronic Residency!

Review the important policies on NRMP. 

Review, update, and/or add to your applications materials.

1. Letters of Recommendation (LoRs) – If you didn’t receive many interviews, there may have been a problem with your LoRs. Consider getting fresh LoRs, preferably from US Clinical Experience — make sure they are specialty-specific to the specialties you may be applying to in the Post-Match. Residency Experts can help you edit and optimize your LoRs! You can also check out our helpful tips by reading Your Complete Residency Letter of Recommendation Guide.
2. Personal Statement – If your Personal Statement was generic, or you did not receive professional assistance, your Personal Statement could have cost you some interviews. Just like with LoRs, make sure your statement is fresh, unique, and specialty-specific.
3. Contact Information – Make sure your contact information is up-to-date and reliable. You don’t want programs calling you and find that your phone number is out of service, or you have no voicemail.

Start preparing to pick the right programs when the Unfilled Programs List is released.

1. Remember, you will only be allowed 45 applications total; each program you choose to apply to should be a good pick
2. You will only have 22 hours to research, pick, and apply to programs
3. Use Electronic Residency during the Post-Match to instantly find out if you qualify for a program’s requirements within the first SOAP hour

By following this advice, you will be well ahead of the curve for Post-Match SOAP preparation. Although it is not what anyone is looking forward to, knowing you have the tools and professional assistance to succeed is vital.

We hope you’ve found this article insightful and are happy to answer any questions you may have about the Post-Match SOAP. Simply email us at support@electronicresidency.com.

 

The NATIONAL RESIDENT MATCHING PROGRAM®, The NRMP®, SUPPLEMENTAL OFFER AND ACCEPTANCE PROGRAM®, and SOAP® are registered trademarks of National Resident Matching Program. THE MATCH™ is a trademark of National Resident Matching Program. ResidencyPrep, LLC and this page are not sponsored by, endorsed by, or affiliated with National Resident Matching Program.