So, you didn’t get matched. Don’t fret, there’s still hope with SOAP. SOAP stands for Supplemental and Offer Acceptance Program and is a service offered by the National Resident Matching Program. Candidates can use SOAP if they don’t get matched around March 14th through the regular Main Residency Match algorithm. SOAP residency offers unmatched U.S. medical students, International medical students (IMGs), and Foreign medical students (FMGs), positions that were not filled by the algorithm.
How Does SOAP Residency Match Work?
SOAP has four offer rounds now, and this number is due to the increase in unfilled positions after the SOAP process. In 2021, according to the National Residency Match Program (NRMP), there were 1,773 positions filled through SOAP residency.
Out of the applicants who applied for residency in the United States, 48 % of U.S. medical students, 27% of U.S. DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) students and 18% of international students got those positions through SOAP. American students have a precedent so that’s why our medical residency specialists advise that international graduates should do exceptionally well on their USMLEs to avoid being funneled out of the list. Despite the statistics, we are seeing more and more foreign doctors working at our US hospitals and providing their expertise in the realm of medicine.
Is SOAP Match Right for Me?
SOAP is just a safety net in case the algorithm doesn’t work in your favor. But there is no need to worry, there are other services available if all else fails. Here at Residents Medical, we specialize in helping both U.S. medical graduates and international medical graduates who need an extra boost to increase their chances of landing their dream residency. Our medical residency counselors carefully review your CV and look at your grades to see where you currently stand, and strategize pathways for your success. We offer UMSLE tutoring, interview prep, paid research opportunities, and clinical rotations with the goal of achieving residency. Contact us today to schedule a strategy call or you can call us at (310) 444-9700
