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 Matching through the Main Residency Match®— which is a very scary thought. However, Post-Match SOAP Preparation is important.
Here, we’ll share 4 Steps to the Best Post-Match SOAP Preparation 2022.
If you have less than 10 programs on your Rank Order List, like it or not, it may be time to at least consider Post-Match SOAP preparation. So, 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.
4 Steps to the Best Post-Match SOAP Preparation 2022
1. Make sure you are eligible:
- First, register for NRMP by the Rank Order List Deadline at 9 p.m. (EST) on March 2nd, 2022.
- Be able to enter a program July 1st, 2022.
- USMGs – Your medical school must clear your graduation qualifications.
- IMGs – You must have your USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK scores, OET, and Alternative Pathway approval completed by the week before The Match.
Also, look at data from the 2021 Post-Match SOAP and start considering which specialties you will be applying to. For example, prelim General Surgery and prelim Internal Medicine both had many available positions while Pediatrics and OBGYN did not.
Post-Match statistics are made easy at Electronic Residency!
2. Review important NRMP policies like these:
- Remember, applicants may not initiate contact with programs during SOAP; all communication must come from the programs themselves.
- Contact Information – Make sure your contact information is up-to-date and reliable. Essentially, you don’t want programs calling you to discover you’ve listed an old phone number or your voicemail is not set up.
- All SOAP applications must go through ERAS to SOAP-participating programs. So, do not apply to programs outside of SOAP until after 9 p.m. Thursday, March 17, 2022
- Importantly, do not share the SOAP Unfilled Programs List with any other candidates
3. Review, update, and/or add to your applications materials.
- Letters of Recommendation (LoRs) – If you didn’t receive many interviews, there may have been a problem with your LoRs. So, 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!
- 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.
4. Start preparing to pick the right programs when the Unfilled Programs List is released.
- Remember, you will only be allowed 45 applications total; each program you choose to apply to should be GOLD.
- You will only have 23 hours to research, pick, and apply to programs.
- 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. So, although it is not what anyone is looking forward to, knowing you have the tools and professional assistance to succeed is vital.
Electronic Residency wishes all applicants success in the Match! We hope you’ve found this article insightful. We are happy to answer any questions you may have about the Post-Match soap. Simply email us at support@electronicresidency.com.
