Match Blog
SOAP for MATCH 2026
A Step-by-Step Guide for Unmatched Residency Applicants
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Navigating the NRMP Match Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program (SOAP®) can be challenging for unmatched residency applicants. To assist you, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide addressing common questions and providing actionable insights to enhance your chances of securing a residency position during SOAP Match 2026.
We also have detailed guides on 2026 ERAS Application Updates, how to write your personal statement, and 250+ residency interview questions.
Table of Contents
- What is SOAP?
- Who is eligible to participate in SOAP 2026?
- What are the key dates and deadlines for SOAP 2026?
- Do you pay for soap match?
- How can I apply to unfilled programs during SOAP?
- How should I prepare my application materials for SOAP?
- What can I expect during SOAP interviews?
- How do I respond to SOAP offers?
- What should I do if I remain unmatched after SOAP?
What is SOAP?
SOAP is a process that allows eligible yet unmatched or partially unmatched applicants to apply to residency programs with unfilled positions during Match Week. It is a structured opportunity to secure a residency spot after the initial Match.
Who is eligible to participate in SOAP 2026?
To be eligible for SOAP 2026, you must:
- Be registered for the NRMP Main Residency Match®. Have an ERAS® application submitted.
- Be fully or partially unmatched after the initial Match results.
- Be eligible to enter a graduate medical program as verified by your medical school (if you completed medical education in the U.S) or by the ECFMG (if you are an international medical graduate)
For individuals who do NOT meet the above criteria, you may NOT apply to or contact (yourself or via a representative such as a mentor) any programs that participate in the Match, regardless of their SOAP status. However, you can apply from non-Match participating programs after 8:00 A.M E.T on Tuesday of the Match week. At 9:00 AM ET on March 19th, 2026, non-SOAP eligible applicants may begin accepting offers from non-SOAP, non-Match programs.
For detailed eligibility criteria, refer to the NRMP SOAP Eligibility Requirements.
What are the key dates and deadlines for SOAP 2026?
Understanding the SOAP timeline is crucial. Key dates include:
- Monday, March 16th, 2026
○ 10:00 AM ET: Applicants learn if they are matched or unmatched via email. You may view the List of Unfilled Programs at this time on the NRMP system via the SOAP tab! Remember: you are responsible for applying to only programs that you are eligible for!
○ 11:00 AM ET: Applicants may begin preparing applications using the application services specified by a program. At this time, you are NOT allowed to reach out to programs until you are contacted by that program.
Note: There are three application services: The ResidencyCAS for OB/GYN, Central Application for Plastic surgery, and AAMC for everything else!
- Tuesday, March 17th, 2026
○ 8:00 AM ET: Programs begin reviewing applications. You may be contacted (via email, phone or zoom link, so keep an eye out!) at this time and begin interviewing
- Thursday, March 19th, 2026
Round 1
○ 8:55 AM ET: Applicant deadline to certify program lists for Round 1 offers
○ 9:00 AM ET: Applicants receive Round 1 offers by logging into the NRMP’s R3 system.
Note: You are not allowed to apply during Offer Rounds! Additionally, you have the highest chance to match to a program at this Round (and lower with each subsequent Round), so be careful with how you accept or reject offers.
○ 11:00 AM ET: Deadline for applicants to accept or reject their Round 1 offers
Note: Between Rounds, you will have a list of yet unfilled spots. If you have at this time not applied to 45 programs already, you may choose to apply to other unfilled programs that you didn’t before! However, programs will only have 1 hour to review your application and may still prefer individuals that they interviewed but had not extended an offer to.
Round 2
○ 11:55 AM ET: Applicant deadline to certify program lists for Round 2 offers
○ 12:00 PM ET: Applicants receive Round 2 offers by logging into the NRMP’s R3 system
○ 2:00 PM ET: Deadline for applicants to accept or reject their Round 2 offers
Round 3
○ 2:55 PM ET: Applicant deadline to certify program lists for Round 3 offers
○ 3:00 PM ET: Applicants receive Round 3 offers by logging into the NRMP’s R3 system
○ 5:00 PM ET: Deadline for applicants to accept or reject their Round 3 offers
Round 4
○ 5:55 PM ET: Applicant deadline to certify program lists for Round 4 offers
○ 6:00 PM ET: Applicants receive Round 4 offers by logging into the NRMP’s R3 system
○ 8:00 PM ET: Deadline for applicants to accept or reject their Round 4 offers
○ 9:00 PM ET : SOAP process ends
- Friday March 20th, 2026
○ 12:00 PM ET: Match day!
For a comprehensive timeline, visit the NRMP SOAP Schedule.
If you need advice with picking the different available programs, a physician expert can help you with that.
Do you pay for soap match?
A common concern among unmatched residency applicants is whether there are any fees associated with participating in the Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program (SOAP®). While there is no direct cost to enter SOAP if you are already registered for the NRMP Match®, there are potential fees depending on your ERAS® application history and the number of application services you plan to use.
SOAP Application Costs: Do You Need to Pay?
SOAP-eligible applicants can begin applying to unfilled programs on Monday, March 16, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. ET. However, application fees depend on whether you have already applied to at least one residency program in the 2026 application season using the relevant application service (such as ERAS®).
Here’s how the cost structure works:
✅ No Additional Fees:
- If you applied to at least one residency program in a specific application service (e.g., ERAS®) for the 2026 residency cycle before March 16, 2026, you will not have to pay any additional SOAP-related application fees.
- You will receive up to 45 SOAP applications per application service at no extra charge.
💰 Potential Fees:
- If you did not apply to at least one residency program in a specific application service (e.g., ERAS®) before March 16, 2026, you will be charged a one-time $99 fee per application service you wish to use during SOAP.
- Example: If you did not apply to any residency programs before March 16, 2026, and wish to apply through ERAS® during SOAP, you will need to pay the $99 application service fee.
⚠️ Important Considerations:
- Prior years’ applications do not count toward the current application cycle. Even if you applied last year, you must have submitted at least one residency application for 2026 to avoid the fee.
- Each application service may have its own additional fees, so be sure to check the details of the specific service you plan to use.
Other Potential Costs Associated with SOAP
While the NRMP Match registration fee covers access to SOAP, you may incur indirect costs depending on how you prepare and apply:
🔹 Application Support: You may need personal statement editing to ensure your application is competitive.
🔹 Mock Interviews: Since SOAP interviews are often short and high-pressure, many applicants invest in mock SOAP interview coaching to improve their responses and confidence.
🔹 Relocation Costs: If you successfully match into a program, you may need to relocate quickly, leading to unexpected moving expenses.
How can I apply to unfilled programs during SOAP?
Once the list of unfilled programs is available in the NRMP’s R3 system, you can:
- Access the List: Log in to the R3 system to view unfilled positions.
- Filter Programs: Use filters to identify programs based on specialty, location, and other preferences.
- Submit Applications: Through ERAS, submit applications to up to 45 programs during the designated application period.
For more details you can check our video “SOAP MATCH® 2025 Tutorial”
How should I prepare my application materials for SOAP?
Given the rapid nature of SOAP, it’s essential to have your application materials ready:
- Personal Statement: Tailor it to be specialty-neutral or have versions prepared for different specialties, depending on how you wish to tackle the SOAP. This is the aspect of the application that you have most control over. You may even choose to submit an updated personal statement to a program that you had already applied to in the main Match
Get Personal Statement Examples HERE - Letters of Recommendation (LORs): You may secure LORs that are either specialty-neutral or specific to potential specialties you might apply to during SOAP. You may also choose to use the same LORs that you had used for the main Match. Read more about letters of recommendation here.
- ERAS Application: The ERAS application is the same application that you applied with for the main Match. At this time, no changes can be made to the application except for personal information (It is highly important to keep these updated!). Refer to our comprehensive blog on filling the ERAS application for 2026 here.
What can I expect during SOAP interviews?
SOAP interviews are typically brief (10-20 minutes) and conducted virtually. Common questions may include:
- Why did you go unmatched?
- Why are you interested in this program?
- What have you done since applying to improve your application?
- How do you handle high-pressure situations?
Residency Interview Coaching for Match® 2026/2027
Mock sessions and real-time feedback with our Expert Interviewers!
To prepare effectively, practice concise and direct responses. We highly suggest not to take this aspect of the SOAP lightly, as it is likely the most deciding factor at this stage of your application, aside from your personal statement.
For a comprehensive batch of residency Interview Preparation resources including 250+ residency interview questions & samples of perfect answers, sign up to our FREE interview resources pack here.
How do I respond to SOAP offers?
SOAP offers are extended in multiple rounds. Key points to remember:
- You can only accept one offer at a time.
- Offers expire after a short period, so timely responses are crucial.
- Rejecting an offer does not guarantee another one will follow.
For detailed guidance on accepting offers, you can watch our video HERE.
What should I do if I remain unmatched after SOAP?
If you remain unmatched after SOAP, consider the following steps:
- Post-Match Scramble: After SOAP concludes, unfilled positions become available to all unmatched applicants.
- Gain Additional Experience: Engage in research, clinical, educational, or community outreach opportunities to strengthen your application for the next cycle. To learn how to find Research Positions check out our course.
- Seek Professional Guidance: Consult with advisors to identify areas of improvement in your application.
New feature
During SOAP, ResidencyCAS and ERAS will allow applicants to transfer completed Letters of Recommendation (LORs), including Standardized Letters of Evaluation (SLOEs), between the two platforms. For step-by-step guidance, refer to the SOAP resources from each application service.
Final Thoughts: You Got This!
We hope this blog helps you navigate the SOAP 2026 process with confidence and clarity. We understand that SOAP can be a stressful and overwhelming experience, but remember, you are not alone in this journey. With the right guidance, strategy, preparation, and mindset, you CAN secure a residency spot and take the next big step in your medical career.
🍀 We wish you the best of luck on your SOAP journey. Now go get that residency spot! 🚀🎉
For personalized assistance, explore our Residency Advising services.
If you are confused about anything, schedule a free consultation with our team today to see how we can best support you.
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