How Does the NRMP SOAP Work? A Step-by-Step Guide for Medical Students

For medical students, the residency match process is a significant milestone. While many students secure a position through the traditional match, some may find themselves needing to navigate the Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program (SOAP). If you’re preparing for SOAP or want to understand the process better, the TrueLearn Match Summit SOAP Webinar offers invaluable insights from residents who successfully SOAPed. This blog highlights key takeaways from the webinar and how it can help you make the most of SOAP.

Understanding the NRMP® SOAP: A Quick Overview

SOAP is a part of the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) designed to help unmatched students secure a residency spot. It occurs in the week following the main residency match, offering multiple rounds of opportunities to apply for unfilled positions. Knowing how to approach SOAP strategically can significantly impact your chances of success.

Key Insights from the Webinar

The webinar offers firsthand advice from residents who have been through the SOAP. Here are some of the major points covered:

1. Prepare Ahead of Time, Even If You’re Unsure About Needing SOAP

The fact that you’re already thinking about SOAP means you’re on the right track. Some students don’t consider the possibility of going unmatched, leaving them scrambling. One panelist shared how they were caught off-guard, while others were more prepared with backup plans, such as:

• Writing personal statements for alternative specialties.
• Collecting additional letters of recommendation from attendings ahead of SOAP.
• Researching which specialties commonly have SOAP positions (e.g., internal medicine, family medicine, and, in some years, fields like radiation oncology).

2. Craft Specialty-Specific Personal Statements

During SOAP, time is of the essence. Having your personal statement, CV, and other materials ready to go is essential. The webinar offers tips on how to polish your application so you can submit it quickly and confidently.

3. Leverage Your Contacts and Network

If you have done away rotations, use those relationships to your advantage. Residents you worked with may have connections to programs with open spots or offer to add you to research projects that could strengthen your CV. Networking can be one of your greatest assets during this process.

4. Seek Feedback to Improve Your Application

For those planning to reapply to the Match, improving your application is essential:

• Revise your personal statement, drawing from new experiences in an intern year, research, or other clinical opportunities.
• Contact the program directors and faculty you interviewed with during the regular match season. Some may provide helpful feedback and support if a position opens in the future.
• Update your letters of recommendation. If you’re doing an intern year, your program director will be a crucial reference, and their letter will carry significant weight.

5. Staying Organized During SOAP Rounds

SOAP consists of multiple rounds, each with its own deadlines. The experts in the webinar emphasize the importance of staying organized, tracking your applications, and making timely decisions when offers come through.

Why You Should Watch the Webinar

The TrueLearn and Inside the Match SOAP Webinar is packed with actionable tips and real-life experiences from residents who have successfully navigated SOAP. By learning from their experiences, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the process, as well as the confidence needed to approach it strategically.

Whether you’re preparing for SOAP or just want to be well-informed about all aspects of the residency match process, this webinar is an essential resource. Watch the full webinar below to hear more in-depth advice and tips that could make all the difference in your residency journey.