Selecting Programs During the Post-Match SOAP

Selecting Programs During the Post-Match SOAP

Thinking about the Post-Match SOAP 2022? At 9 a.m. (EST) on Monday, March 14th, residency candidates who participated in the Main Residency Match® through NRMP® will fall into one of three categories:

  1. Fully Matched – You have received a position that will give you full training for licensure (usually a Categorical position or Preliminary/Advanced combination)
  2. Partially Matched – You have received a position that will only partially complete your training for licensure (usually a Preliminary or Advanced position)
  3. Unmatched – You have not received any residency positions

Partially Matched or Unmatched candidates who are SOAP® eligible should consider participating in the Post-Match SOAP.

If you’re eligible, you’ll receive the List of Unfilled Programs from the NRMP R3 system. Candidates will have 23 hours to research programs. This can prove to be very tricky. Not only do you want to ensure your applicant criteria (USMLE scores, visa requirements, time since graduation) are aligned with programs’ requirements, you should prioritize the 45 programs you can apply to.

To provide a little guidance, you can focus on programs in the order listed below:

  1. Programs you have interviewed with in the past – It helps to have established prior history with a program. The better they know you, the better your chances of obtaining an offer during SOAP.
  2. Programs you have connections with – Consider programs you have past history with such as programs you completed rotations or volunteer work in. You cannot contact them, but it’s possible they will remember your name and the time you spent there.
  3. Fresh programs – Programs you have not applied to this application season.
  4. Programs you have applied to in the past – Programs you applied to this season but did not interview with.

You should avoid:

  1. Programs that send you rejections during the Main Residency Match Season.
  2. Programs you do not qualify for based on your professional background and the program’s requirements.

It is incredibly important that you only apply to residency programs with requirements you fulfill. Some requirements to consider are USMLE exam scores, IMG vs US medical graduate, Visas, Time Since Graduation, etc.

You only get 45 application opportunities to use during the Post-Match SOAP. The most important part of the process is selecting the most compatible programs. 

This is where Electronic Residency’s Program Compatibility Search (PCS) can help. You can compete in the Post-Match SOAP with our residency program compatibility search engine. It helps you select residency programs during the Post-Match with speed and accuracy. Simply search programs’ ACGME numbers (obtained from NRMP’s List of Unfilled Programs) in the PCS system for instant compatibility results.

If you aren’t confident about your Personal Statement (which should be specialty-specific), we can help with that too. Simply visit us at ResidencyStatement.com for assistance editing and optimizing your Personal Statement.

If you require any research assistance during the Post-Match, contact Electronic Residency by emailing support@electronicresidency.com or calling 858-299-2003

Post-Match SOAP Interviews

Post-Match SOAP Interviews

What You Need to Know about Interviews During the Post-Match SOAP

One of the most common questions many residency candidates may have about the Post-Match SOAP® is whether or not residency programs conduct interviews during Match Week for the Post-Match SOAP.   

The answer is yes.  After submitting your maximum 45 SOAP applications, programs may reach out to request a virtual interview.

Most of the time, programs will contact residency candidates they are interested in through email, so it is very important to check your email (including your Junk/Spam Folder) often during the early part of Match Week. However, programs can also contact you directly over the phone or through your ERAS account, so be sure to keep an eye on not only your listed email but also your phone and ERAS account.

** Remember, residency candidates are prohibited from initiating first contact with programs. Programs must initiate first contact.

Post-Match Virtual Interviews

Today, virtual interviews have become the norm. If you don’t have much experience interviewing virtually, you’ll want to practice in the days leading up to the SOAP.  You can do this with a trusted friend or family member. Also, consider signing up for our Interview Prep package, which includes detailed AI feedback on your performance during a recorded sample response.

Tips for Virtual Interviews

  • Practice, practice, practice to gain familiarity in front of the camera
  • Remember, look at the camera, not the screen
    • If it helps, tape googly eyes next to the camera to know where to look interviewers in the “eyes”
    • Move the view window that shows the interviewer nearer to the camera
  • Be familiar with all your application materials
  • Have Zoom/Skype downloaded beforehand with a professional username and icon
  • Pick a clean, quiet, and well-lit place to have the interview. Don’t forget what might be in the background! If there are going to be other people around, let them know you will be having an important interview
  • Close all background programs on your computer
  • Right before the interview, take time to freshen up your hair and check your teeth
  • Dress professionally

Post-Match Phone Interviews

Phone interviews are fairly straightforward. As such, they are usually about 15 to 20 minutes with the same content and questions that are covered in virtual residency interviews. So, the only real difference is you will not be able to read the interviewer’s body language and tone could be hard to interpret.

Tips for Phone Interviews

  • Have your application materials printed out and on hand for quick reference. This includes your MyERAS Application, Personal Statement, and any Letters or Recommendation you may have on hand (that you did not waive the right to see)
  • If you aren’t confident on the phone, practice with a friend to increase your comfort and skill
  • Make sure you have a quiet place to talk; eliminate all distractions like the television, music, or outside noise
  • Be sure to take time and listen to your interviewer before speaking; don’t cut them off until they are done asking the question
  • Dress for an interview to put yourself in the right mindset, even if they can’t see you
  • Keep pen and paper around to write notes and stay focused
  • Just before the interview, drink some tea with honey or water to clear your throat
  • Do not hang up without establishing your next step

Also, if you have either type of interview, do not forget to email a Thank You message after the interview!

So, you might feel overwhelmed by the quick pace of the SOAP. But remember, SOAP interviews are similar to Main Match Season interviews in protocol. Prepare for the interview like you would any other interview and be confident! For additional tips on interviewing, check out Match A Resident’s YouTube channel and watch our Interview Prep Series!

Finally, for help navigating the SOAP, including this year’s timeline and information about our Program Compatibility Search, visit us at ElectronicResidency.com!

(Content Updated: March 4, 2022)