Mark Your Calendars: What to Expect for Match Week 2021 and SOAP - IMGPrep
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Mark Your Calendars: What to Expect for Match Week 2021 and SOAP

January 19, 2021

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2021 cycle archive · Editorial review October 6, 2026 · Historical times are Eastern Time.

This article describes Match Week 2021. Its dates and application procedures are historical. For the next cycle, use the current SOAP series and 2027 timetable.

Match Week 2021 took place March 15–19. The Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program provided a structured opportunity for eligible unmatched and partially matched applicants to seek positions remaining after the Main Residency Match.

This archive preserves the historical timetable and IMGPrep’s preparation resource. It separates that record from the instructions applicants should follow today.

How the 2021 process worked

Applicants checked Match status and SOAP eligibility in NRMP’s R3 system. Applications were prepared through ERAS, and programs reviewed the applications before creating SOAP preference lists. Applicants did not submit SOAP preference lists.

Formal offers and responses were administered through R3. Accepted offers created binding commitments. The official NRMP 2021 schedule documents the historical timing.

Historical Match Week timetable

March 15–19, 2021 · Eastern Time · Archive only
Date and time2021 event
Monday, March 15 · 11 AMMatch status and the SOAP list became available to eligible applicants.
Monday · 12 PMApplication preparation began in ERAS.
Tuesday, March 16 · 8 AMPrograms began reviewing applications and could initiate applicant contact.
Wednesday, March 17 · 12–2 PMOffer round 1.
Wednesday · 3–5 PMOffer round 2.
Thursday, March 18 · 9–11 AMOffer round 3.
Thursday · 12–2 PMOffer round 4.
Thursday · 3 PMSOAP ended and the expanded list became available.
Friday, March 19 · 12 PMMatch Day results were released.

The earlier version of this article placed program review on Monday afternoon. The official 2021 calendar places review at Tuesday 8 AM; the archive has been corrected accordingly.

The original IMGPrep resource

IMGPrep’s 2021 Match Week and SOAP guide (PDF) remains available as a historical resource. Its deadlines, fees, and certification discussion should not be used to plan a later application cycle.

The useful preparation principles remain practical: confirm account access, maintain accurate contact information, organize documents, review eligibility, and remain available for program contact. Current operational rules must be checked separately.

What current applicants should do

Begin with the current NRMP calendar and the status shown in R3. Use each program’s designated application service and verify its current document, fee, and application-limit rules. Do not carry forward a historical specialty-service assignment or deadline.

Review position type, start year, credentials, and sponsorship requirements before assessing educational fit. Preparation can support informed decisions, but neither an available position nor an advising service guarantees selection.

IMGPrep can support application organization, program screening, and interview preparation. Applicants and advisors must follow the current communication restrictions and preserve any binding training commitments.

Read the current SOAP guide

Sources and further reading

  1. NRMP 2021 Match Week and SOAP schedule
  2. NRMP current SOAP resources

IMGPrep is an independent educational consultancy and is not affiliated with NRMP.