Changes to the Post-Match SOAP

Changes to the Post-Match SOAP 2017

While the Post-Match SOAP® has been established since 2012, each year NRMP® and ERAS® make changes to the policies and procedures to ensure the SOAP continues running more smoothly with optimal results for residency candidates and residency programs.

This year was no exception.

The 2017 Post-Match SOAP will see a big change.

There will only be three Offer Rounds.

By far the biggest change residency applicants will encounter this year is the reduction from five total Offer Rounds to three.

Traditionally, NRMP has held six Offer Rounds. This number was reduced to five for the 2014 Post-Match SOAP. However, with a majority of positions being offered during the first two Offer Rounds, NRMP decided to eliminate the final two Offer Rounds.

How does this affect SOAP timing and residency candidates?

While the change is big, the impact is fairly minimal. The Post-Match SOAP will now conclude earlier at 11 a.m. (EST) Thursday, March 16, 2017. The final update for the List of Unfilled Programs will follow at 12 p.m. (EST).

In case any candidates are worried that less Offer Rounds means less offers, as long as there are positions to be filled, programs can easily adapt to less offer rounds. Therefore, there shouldn’t be any difference in the amount of offers.