IMGPrep - ARTICLES - Ranking, Match Week & SOAP

SOAP Residency Match: Essential Terms and Systems

March 5, 2025

Facebooktwittermail

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

SOAP terminology describes different systems, eligibility decisions, and training positions. Using those terms accurately helps applicants avoid confusing an application with an offer or an available program with an eligible position.

This glossary accompanies IMGPrep’s SOAP series. Use the current NRMP resources and the instructions in your own account when making an operational decision.

SOAP and the Main Residency Match

Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program (SOAP)

SOAP is the NRMP process through which unfilled residency positions are offered to eligible unmatched or partially matched applicants during Match Week. Programs create preference lists; applicants respond to formal offers. Applicants do not submit a SOAP rank order list.[2][4]

National Resident Matching Program (NRMP)

NRMP administers the Main Residency Match and SOAP, including eligibility, offer rounds, and participation policies. It is separate from the organizations operating application services.

Systems and application services

Registration, Ranking, and Results (R3) system

R3 is NRMP’s system for Match status, SOAP eligibility, the List of Unfilled Programs, and formal offers and responses. Applicants submit program applications through the designated application service, not through R3.

ERAS and ResidencyCAS

ERAS and ResidencyCAS are application services that transmit application materials to participating programs. Use the service specified for the program on the R3 list. Do not assume all specialties use the same service or that a service’s role is unchanged from a previous year.[2]

Application allowance

The service’s SOAP limit governs how many applications can be submitted. Offer rounds do not create new allowances. A submitted application remains available for subsequent program consideration, and unused applications may be used for additional eligible programs under the service’s rules.[5]

Eligibility and program lists

SOAP eligibility

NRMP determines whether an applicant can participate. An applicant’s educational credentials and Match registration alone should not be treated as proof of eligibility; verify the status displayed in R3 and resolve discrepancies with the responsible organization.

Unmatched and partially matched

An unmatched applicant has not secured a position through the Match. A partially matched applicant has secured one component of training but still needs a complementary component. Eligibility for position types depends on that existing Match status.

List of Unfilled Programs

The R3 list shows the positions for which the SOAP-eligible applicant can apply based on matched status. An application service may display additional unfilled programs. Cross-check against R3 before applying. Treat the list as confidential.[2]

Training position types

TermMeaning for planning
CategoricalA program that begins at the PGY-1 level and provides the full specialty training pathway.
PreliminaryA defined period of preliminary training, generally one year, rather than a guaranteed full specialty pathway.
AdvancedSpecialty training beginning after required preliminary training. Confirm the start year.
Complementary positionThe additional position needed to complete a compatible training sequence.

Offers and commitments

Offer round

A scheduled window for formal R3 offers and responses. The 2027 fourth round runs Thursday, March 18 from 6 PM to 8 PM ET; SOAP ends at 9 PM.[1]

Accepted, rejected, and expired offers

Acceptance establishes a binding training commitment. Rejected and expired offers are not extended again to the same applicant in later rounds. Applicants lacking a full course of training may remain eligible for a complementary position.[4]

Waiver

A release from a binding Match commitment through NRMP’s process. An informal agreement between applicant and program does not replace an NRMP waiver.[3]

Post-SOAP

The period after SOAP ends, when eligible applicants may contact remaining unfilled programs. The expanded list includes remaining programs that did not participate in SOAP. Existing commitments and appointment requirements still apply.

Continue the SOAP series

Series introduction · Application preparation · Interviews · Offer rounds · Communication rules · If you remain unmatched · Essential terms

Individual preparation with IMGPrep

IMGPrep offers structured review of application readiness, program requirements, and interview preparation. Advising supports informed decisions; it cannot guarantee a residency position.

Request a consultation

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.