SOAP Communication Rules: Program Contact and Professional Conduct

Updated October 6, 2026 · Guidance for SOAP 2027 · All schedule times are Eastern Time (ET).

SOAP communication rules govern how applicants, programs, and advisors interact during Match Week. The central distinction is between initiating contact and responding after a program has contacted the applicant. Understanding that distinction supports a fair process and prevents avoidable policy violations.

This fifth article in the series addresses communication during SOAP and the transition to direct outreach after it concludes.

Programs must initiate contact

During SOAP, applicants submit applications through the service designated by each program. Apart from that application, the applicant and anyone acting on the applicant’s behalf must not contact the program about an unfilled position before the program initiates contact in response to the application.^[3]

The restriction includes calls, emails, messages, and informal approaches through faculty or other contacts. Asking a mentor to advocate before program contact does not create an exception.

Responding after program contact

Once the program initiates contact, the applicant can respond, participate in an interview, and clarify training or appointment requirements. SOAP is not an entirely one-way communication process. A missed call from a program should be handled by reviewing the message and responding through the channel provided.

A blanket claim that all follow-up or thank-you messages are prohibited overstates the initiation rule. Keep any communication after program contact relevant and concise, follow the program’s instructions, and ask NRMP about an uncertain situation.

Professional conduct applies to both parties

Provide complete and accurate information about credentials, experience, and practical requirements. Programs should also provide pertinent appointment information. Neither party should use pressure or misleading statements to influence the other’s decision.

NRMP identifies requests for information about other applications or interviews as improper program conduct. If a policy concern arises, preserve the relevant message and seek guidance from NRMP. Do not assume that a violation always produces a particular sanction without an NRMP determination.^[3]

The 2027 timetable determines when rules change

Program review begins Tuesday, March 16 at 8 AM ET. Applicants should be ready for program-initiated contact then. All four offer rounds occur Thursday, March 18; round four runs from 6 PM to 8 PM. SOAP ends at 9 PM ET.^[1]

After SOAP concludes, eligible unmatched and partially matched applicants may contact remaining unfilled programs using the expanded R3 list. Existing binding commitments continue to apply.

Applicants who are not SOAP-eligible

The rules for SOAP-ineligible applicants differ. They cannot apply to or contact Match-participating programs until SOAP ends. NRMP permits contact with non-Match-participating programs after Tuesday at 8 AM ET. Do not substitute advice intended for SOAP-eligible applicants for these restrictions.^[2]

What advisors can do

Advisors can help organize documents, compare published requirements, prepare for interviews, and understand official guidance. They cannot bypass the prohibition on initiating program contact on an applicant’s behalf.

IMGPrep’s role is preparation and structured advising. The applicant makes application and offer decisions and remains responsible for compliance with the current NRMP agreement.

Official sources

1. 2027 Match Week and SOAP calendar
2. NRMP SOAP eligibility and applicant resources
3. NRMP professional behavior and binding commitments
4. NRMP guide: viewing and responding to offers
5. NRMP guidance on applications between rounds

IMGPrep is an independent educational consultancy and is not affiliated with NRMP. Follow the current NRMP agreement, R3 instructions, and your application service’s guidance.