SOAP Residency Match – A Six Part Series for Unmatched Residency Applicants

Updated October 6, 2026 for the 2027 Main Residency Match. All schedule times are Eastern Time (ET).

Introduction

The Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program (SOAP) provides eligible unmatched and partially matched applicants with a structured opportunity to obtain an unfilled residency position during Match Week. For international medical graduates, effective participation requires more than responding quickly: applicants must understand their eligibility, identify appropriate programs and follow the communication and offer rules that govern the process. ^[1]

This article introduces IMGPrep’s six-part SOAP series. It explains how the process works, the published 2027 timetable and the decisions applicants should prepare to make. The purpose is to support informed application planning; participation in SOAP does not guarantee a position.

What Is SOAP, and How Does It Differ from the Match?

SOAP is administered by the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) through its Registration, Ranking, and Results (R3) system. Programs offer unfilled positions through scheduled rounds. Applicants use the application service or process specified for each program on NRMP’s List of Unfilled Programs. ^[1]

The distinction between applying and receiving an offer is important. Submitting an application does not create an offer, and the offer rounds do not represent separate application cycles. A submitted application can remain available to a program across rounds. Applicants should monitor both their application service and R3 rather than relying solely on email. ^[3]

Confirm Eligibility Before Selecting Programs

NRMP is the authoritative source of SOAP eligibility. Applicants should check their status in R3 and use the SOAP List of Unfilled Programs to determine which positions they are eligible to pursue. Partially matched applicants must pay particular attention to the type of position they still need. A vacancy displayed by an application service is not, by itself, confirmation that an applicant is eligible for it. ^[1]

Before submitting applications, confirm three practical points:

• Applicant eligibility: Verify SOAP status in R3 and resolve questions through the appropriate school, certification or NRMP contact.
• Position eligibility: Select positions shown as eligible for your matched status on the NRMP list.
• Application route: Follow the service or process required by the program, including its current submission instructions and limits.

The 2027 Match Week and SOAP Schedule

Monday application preparation and Tuesday program review are distinct milestones. Applicants should use the interval to organize materials and prepare for short-notice interviews. ^[2]

Thursday Offer Rounds: March 18, 2027

The fourth round starts at 6 PM, not 5 PM. The published calendar is the schedule authority. NRMP’s detailed 2027 applicant guide is expected in early 2027; check for updated application-service instructions before Match Week. ^{[1] [2]}

Application Strategy: Eligibility and Goodness of Fit

A short application window makes deliberate program selection more important. An applicant should assess whether the specialty and training environment align with their documented clinical experience, career direction and practical requirements, including visa sponsorship where relevant. Availability alone does not establish a suitable training opportunity.

A useful example is an unmatched applicant considering several specialties. The immediate task is to identify eligible positions and determine where the application provides credible evidence of interest and readiness. Applying indiscriminately may use limited applications without improving that evidence.

IMGPrep’s Equitable Match framework supports screening and goodness of fit. It can help organize the relationship between a candidate’s profile and a program’s requirements; it must not be interpreted as a prediction of a SOAP offer or Match outcome.

Communication, Interviews and Later Rounds

Applicants and their representatives must not initiate contact with a SOAP program before that program contacts them. Programs may begin contact and interviews when application review opens Tuesday at 8 AM ET. Applicants should prepare a quiet interview setting, reliable telephone and video access, and concise explanations of their specialty interest and clinical experience. ^[2]

There is no need to reapply to the same program after each round. NRMP states that applicants with unused applications may apply to additional eligible unfilled programs through the required service. Review the updated R3 list and the current application-service limit before doing so. ^[3]

An applicant who remains unmatched after the fourth round should distinguish the 8 PM offer-response deadline from the 9 PM end of SOAP. The expanded R3 list and permission to contact remaining unfilled programs follow the end of SOAP. ^[2]

Continue the SOAP Series

The next articles address the operational decisions in more detail:

• SOAP application process: Preparing and selecting applications.
• SOAP interview process: Program review, communication and interview preparation.
• SOAP offer rounds: Release times, response deadlines and binding commitments.
• SOAP communication rules: Program contact and professional conduct.
• If you remain unmatched: Remaining vacancies and next-cycle planning.
• Essential terms: Systems, eligibility, and training positions.

Official Sources

1. NRMP: SOAP eligibility, application services and applicant resources.
2. NRMP: 2027 Main Residency Match Week and SOAP Calendar.
3. NRMP: Reapplying to programs after the first SOAP round.