SOAP residency: Your second chance at Matching
Didn’t match? SOAP gives you a second chance to secure a residency during Match week.
What is the Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program (SOAP)?
The Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program (SOAP) gives unmatched or partially matched medical students a second shot at securing a residency position. Run by the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP), SOAP connects applicants with unfilled residency slots during Match Week. It is fast, focused and can be a game-changer if you come prepared.
Think of SOAP as a highly structured opportunity to regroup, refocus and re-enter the Match with purpose.
Eligibility for SOAP residency match: Who can participate?
To take part in SOAP, you’ll need to meet some specific criteria:
Be registered for the Main Residency Match.
Be eligible to start residency by July 1 of the Match year.
Be unmatched or partially matched when Match week begins.
Have an active ERAS application that’s ready to go.
The NRMP will notify you if you’re eligible. If you are, you’ll get access to the List of Unfilled Programs on Monday of Match week.
How does the SOAP residency match process work?
SOAP works in rounds, and each round follows a very specific process:
Programs with unfilled slots submit their open positions.
Applicants can apply to up to 45 programs through ERAS.
Programs review applications and build preference lists.
The NRMP sends out offers during scheduled rounds (you can accept or reject).
If you accept, your SOAP journey ends—congrats! If not, you remain in the pool for the next round.
Importantly, you can’t contact programs directly during SOAP—communication is tightly regulated until you accept an offer.
Step-by-step guide to applying to residency through SOAP
Confirm your eligibility with NRMP.
Update your ERAS application. Refresh your personal statement and experiences.
Identify your top-choice specialties and be realistic about competitiveness.
Apply to up to 45 unfilled programs through ERAS.
Wait for SOAP offer rounds and respond promptly when offers are extended.
Next steps after SOAP
Prepare for residency
If you matched through SOAP—congrats! Now’s the time to shift gears and focus on being residency-ready.
What happens if you don’t match?
If you didn’t match, know that many successful physicians have been exactly where you are. The next year can be incredibly valuable for growth and reflection.
Here are next steps you can consider:
Post-match vacancies: Some programs may still have open spots—especially in less competitive specialties or locations.
Research or academic enrichment: A year in a lab or public health program can strengthen your next application.
Additional clinical experience: Observerships, externships or a transitional year can help keep your skills fresh.
Graduate study: Pursuing an MPH, MBA or MS can show initiative and broaden your qualifications.
These paths can help you regroup, grow and re-apply with an even stronger story.
Strengthen your application for next year’s Match
Strengthen your application for next year’s Match by taking time to reflect, refine and plan ahead. Revise your personal statement so it highlights both your SOAP experience and the growth you’ve experienced along the way. Seek out new letters of recommendation, ideally from people who have worked with you recently and can speak meaningfully to your strengths. Meet with your advisors early and often to build a thoughtful strategy, and consider expanding your specialty list as your interests and goals continue to evolve. Above all, remember that going unmatched does not mean you are unqualified. It simply means you are still on the journey, and you will arrive where you are meant to be.
Common mistakes to avoid during SOAP
Waiting too long to update your materials. Do it before Match Week.
Applying too broadly or too narrowly. You have 45 slots—use them wisely.
Letting stress take over. Lean on your support system and stay focused.
Forgetting the rules. No direct contact with programs until an offer is accepted.