Help a poor guy who missed the NRMP deadline

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Knightmd

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Long story short, many circumstances have come together -financial, physical and judgmental- and the end result is me missing the NRMP registration deadline. I now find myself wanting to apply for preliminary surgical spots, but even though all my documents are on ERAS, I won't be able to participate in the SOAP.

So my question is: Is there a way to have my documents sent over to programs through ERAS, and just directly match there, bypassing the NRMP/SOAP process? It's quite a strong application.... If that won't work, please let me know what I'm supposed to do. All my documents are on ERAS.

Cheers,
Desperately-in-need-of-help
 
Last edited:
Knightmd said:
Long story short, many circumstances have come together -financial, physical and judgmental- and the end result is me missing the NRMP registration deadline. I now find myself wanting to apply for preliminary surgical spots, but even though all my documents are on ERAS, I won't be able to participate in the SOAP.

So my question is: Is there a way to have my documents sent over to programs through ERAS, and just directly match there, bypassing the NRMP/SOAP process? It's quite a strong application.... If that won't work, please let me know what I'm supposed to do. All my documents are on ERAS.

Cheers,
Desperately-in-need-of-help
Click to expand...


Why can't you participate in SOAP? You should be able to register for SOAP even now I believe, and it costs 92 bucks. why not do that if all your stuff is in ERAS? You can't participate in SOAP bypassing the NRMP and you can't have your info sent to the programs other than by registering via NRMP and SOAP. You can wait until after SOAP if you want, and send the stuff directly at that time, but not recommended. With that said, prelim surgical spots should be plentiful even post-SOAP. What do you want to go into?
 
Residentcool said:
Why can't you participate in SOAP? You should be able to register for SOAP even now I believe, and it costs 92 bucks. why not do that if all your stuff is in ERAS? You can't participate in SOAP bypassing the NRMP and you can't have your info sent to the programs other than by registering via NRMP and SOAP. You can wait until after SOAP if you want, and send the stuff directly at that time, but not recommended. With that said, prelim surgical spots should be plentiful even post-SOAP. What do you want to go into?
Click to expand...

Hold on a second. I thought I needed to be registered with the NRMP to participate in the SOAP....
 
Knightmd said:
Long story short, many circumstances have come together -financial, physical and judgmental- and the end result is me missing the NRMP registration deadline. I now find myself wanting to apply for preliminary surgical spots, but even though all my documents are on ERAS, I won't be able to participate in the SOAP.

So my question is: Is there a way to have my documents sent over to programs through ERAS, and just directly match there, bypassing the NRMP/SOAP process? It's quite a strong application.... If that won't work, please let me know what I'm supposed to do. All my documents are on ERAS.

Cheers,
Desperately-in-need-of-help
Click to expand...

Are you sure you can't still register with NRMP? I know the deadline passed but I thought that was just for being in the Match (but I could be completely wrong here).

If there's no way you can register (and their offices are closed today which is kind of a bummer) then no, there's no way you can go through "SOAP" or transmit your app to programs until SOAP is over.

If it makes you feel better, there will still be a buttload of dead-end surgical prelims for you to get abused in at the end of SOAP.
 
gutonc said:
Are you sure you can't still register with NRMP? I know the deadline passed but I thought that was just for being in the Match (but I could be completely wrong here).
Click to expand...
Yeah I thought so too, but here's the email I received from the NRMP today:
NRMP is no longer taking registrations for the 2013 Main Residency Match and SOAP process. The deadline was February 20th, and we are unable to offer any extension or exception.
Click to expand...
gutonc said:
If it makes you feel better, there will still be a buttload of dead-end surgical prelims for you to get abused in at the end of SOAP.
Click to expand...
Yes, yes. That makes me feel a LOT better. But how do I transmit my documents to these programs through ERAS?
 
Knightmd said:
Yeah I thought so too, but here's the email I received from the NRMP today:
Click to expand...

Gotcha. Bummer.

Yes, yes. That makes me feel a LOT better. But how do I transmit my documents to these programs through ERAS?
Click to expand...

Not entirely sure. You may have to go old school with a fax machine.
 
gutonc said:
Not entirely sure. You may have to go old school with a fax machine.
Click to expand...
Yeah that's horrible... it should be possible since I'm not asking to be "matched" by ERAS. I just want them to send my documents... What about the LORs that weren't disclosed to me. It wouldn't make sense for them to refuse to send my application... but I'm kinda expecting that to happen.
 
Knightmd said:
Yeah I thought so too, but here's the email I received from the NRMP today:


Yes, yes. That makes me feel a LOT better. But how do I transmit my documents to these programs through ERAS?
Click to expand...

Hold on, I read this a few days ago. I'll check where I read this and get back to you. Regarding the transmittal of documents, when SOAP is over, you can either send them the old fashioned way, by taking a copy and making a pdf of your ERAS app and asking your school to send the letters, transcripts, dean's letter, etc. or you can also apply via ERAS to any programs that have open spots. I think you still have to pay, but ERAS is open until end of May?? I think and you can transmit apps. that way.


Ok, here is what I read, maybe I"m confused but I thought it was possible. It seems that if you did not go through ERAS, if you do so by March 11, you can participate in SOAP. Maybe I'm misunderstanding something? Here's from AAMC website:

Requirements

What are the ERAS requirements for SOAP?
To participate in SOAP free of charge, you must apply to one or more ACGME residency programs through ERAS before 12 p.m. ET, Mon., March 11.

Is there a fee for participating in SOAP? If so, how much and when does it need to be paid?
SOAP-eligible applicants who have applied to at least one ACGME residency program during ERAS 2013 can participate in SOAP free of charge. If you have not applied by 12 p.m. ET, Mon., March 11, you must pay a registration fee of $92.

If I have not registered for ERAS this season, can I participate in SOAP?
Yes, if NRMP has indicated that you are SOAP-eligible you may participate.

If I do not register with NRMP, can I still use ERAS during SOAP?
If you do not register with NRMP, you will not be able to apply to NRMP participating programs during SOAP. To find out the deadline for registering with the NRMP, please contact the NRMP External Link directly at (866) 653-6767.
 
Residentcool said:
Hold on, I read this a few days ago. I'll check where I read this and get back to you. Regarding the transmittal of documents, when SOAP is over, you can either send them the old fashioned way, by taking a copy and making a pdf of your ERAS app and asking your school to send the letters, transcripts, dean's letter, etc. or you can also apply via ERAS to any programs that have open spots. I think you still have to pay, but ERAS is open until end of May?? I think and you can transmit apps. that way.
Click to expand...
Awesome. That's a slither of hope I can hold on to. Sure it will be a horrible program but I just need to endure that one year. I hope that ERAS thing works...
 
Knightmd said:
Awesome. That's a slither of hope I can hold on to. Sure it will be a horrible program but I just need to endure that one year. I hope that ERAS thing works...
Click to expand...

What specialty are you trying to go into? Are you surgery bound regardless or hoping for surgery prelim because you think there's no hope?
 
Knightmd said:
how do I transmit my documents to these programs through ERAS?
Click to expand...

It will be program-specific post SOAP as to how they want to receive your information. The biggest hurdle, I think, is that you won't have access to the list of unfilled programs if you aren't participating in SOAP. It's likely that means a lot of cold calls/emails to surgery programs asking about open preliminary spots. Once you find a program accepting applications, ask whether they have a preference.

Good luck!
 
mcl said:
The biggest hurdle, I think, is that you won't have access to the list of unfilled programs if you aren't participating in SOAP. It's likely that means a lot of cold calls/emails to surgery programs asking about open preliminary spots.
Click to expand...
What about the list of SOAP programs? Will that ever be made public? I remember in the good ol' scramble days some good Samaritan would post it here on the forums...
 
Residentcool said:
What are the ERAS requirements for SOAP?
To participate in SOAP free of charge, you must apply to one or more ACGME residency programs through ERAS before 12 p.m. ET, Mon., March 11.
Click to expand...
Done.
Residentcool said:
If I do not register with NRMP, can I still use ERAS during SOAP?
If you do not register with NRMP, you will not be able to apply to NRMP participating programs during SOAP. To find out the deadline for registering with the NRMP, please contact the NRMP External Link directly at (866) 653-6767.
Click to expand...
And that's where it felt like a kick to the nuts. Ineligible, I am.
 
Knightmd said:
Done.

And that's where it felt like a kick to the nuts. Ineligible, I am.
Click to expand...

Oh, I see. Sorry I did not realize that. 🙁 But if you want surgery you should be able to get a prelim surg. spot even post SOAP. Who knows, you may even be able to land a decent spot. I guess be ready to give a good, reasonable explanation of why you did not match or what happened though. It's not likely someone will post the list of unfilled programs given the NRMP's tight control of that inform.
 
Sorry to hear about your situation. Definitely work on a solid reason for missing the deadline and good luck.
 
gutonc said:
Gotcha. Bummer.



Not entirely sure. You may have to go old school with a fax machine.
Click to expand...

This question is for you gutonc. Have you heard of the news that's circulating about dihydrocloroacetic acid being a cure for cancer but the "big evil pharm companies" not wanting to make cancer drugs with it because it won't produce profit? What are your thoughts on this?
 
Residentcool said:
This question is for you gutonc. Have you heard of the news that's circulating about dihydrocloroacetic acid being a cure for cancer but the "big evil pharm companies" not wanting to make cancer drugs with it because it won't produce profit? What are your thoughts on this?
Click to expand...

I'm not gutonc, but can I say lolwut?
 
KeyzerSoze said:
I'm not gutonc, but can I say lolwut?
Click to expand...


That's what I said, and yes you are not gutonc 😉 but FB is going crazy with the alternative medicine nuts talking about how big pharma is evil, doctors are evil too bc it's a business and we want patients to continue having cancer to line our pockets with $$, and how this "cure" should be given out free to everyone and how medical students should "make it." Lol. I wanted to inquire if gutonc had heard anything about this!
 
Residentcool said:
That's what I said, and yes you are not gutonc 😉 but FB is going crazy with the alternative medicine nuts talking about how big pharma is evil, doctors are evil too bc it's a business and we want patients to continue having cancer to line our pockets with $$, and how this "cure" should be given out free to everyone and how medical students should "make it." Lol. I wanted to inquire if gutonc had heard anything about this!
Click to expand...

Not the right place to have this discussion. But do a quick PubMed search for DHCA and let me know what you find.

Also, this has "blown up" on FB once or twice a year for the past 5 years. It's still bulls**t.

As I tell all my patients:

I'm salaried. I get paid the same whether you come back every week and pay cash for every drug in the pharmacy or if you walk out of here telling me to go to hell. If I had a cure, I'd give it to you.
 
mcl said:
It will be program-specific post SOAP as to how they want to receive your information. The biggest hurdle, I think, is that you won't have access to the list of unfilled programs if you aren't participating in SOAP. It's likely that means a lot of cold calls/emails to surgery programs asking about open preliminary spots. Once you find a program accepting applications, ask whether they have a preference.

Good luck!
Click to expand...
I think that once SOAP is over, the NRMP will post the final list of open spots. Knowing the original list of unfilled positions won't really help you, since programs are not allowed to accept applications from nor give spots to anyone not participating in SOAP.

For the OP:

Now for the bad news:

Last year, there were just over 1100 positions open in SOAP. About 460 were prelim surgery.
There were 13,000 applicants for those spots.
By the end of SOAP, there were 98 positions left total, I don't have a breakdown of the types of positions.
So, don't expect much will be left after SOAP.

The good news:
Because of the all-in rule, there may be more prelim surgery positions in the match, and hence more rolling into SOAP.

Looking at your post history, I am confused. A recent post mentions that you're currently in a surgery residency, and that you're an FMG trying to get into surgery for 2 years. Repeating a prelim surgery year is not a good plan, if you've already completed a PGY-1 -- especially if you go to a place that can't fill in SOAP.
 
Why don't you apply for the off cycle positions listed on residentswap or similar sites... I'm sure there is something available.
 
aProgDirector said:
I think that once SOAP is over, the NRMP will post the final list of open spots. Knowing the original list of unfilled positions won't really help you, since programs are not allowed to accept applications from nor give spots to anyone not participating in SOAP.

For the OP:

Now for the bad news:

Last year, there were just over 1100 positions open in SOAP. About 460 were prelim surgery.
There were 13,000 applicants for those spots.
By the end of SOAP, there were 98 positions left total, I don't have a breakdown of the types of positions.
So, don't expect much will be left after SOAP.

The good news:
Because of the all-in rule, there may be more prelim surgery positions in the match, and hence more rolling into SOAP.

Looking at your post history, I am confused. A recent post mentions that you're currently in a surgery residency, and that you're an FMG trying to get into surgery for 2 years. Repeating a prelim surgery year is not a good plan, if you've already completed a PGY-1 -- especially if you go to a place that can't fill in SOAP.
Click to expand...
Thanks. I haven't done any US residency yet. I'm a resident abroad. The reason I'm looking to do the prelim is to qualify for a different position altogether...

Are there going to be non-designated prelim spots next year? I heard this year was the last year they have non-designated spots.
 
So first you say this...
Knightmd said:
It has to be surgery...
Click to expand...

And then you say this...
Knightmd said:
The reason I'm looking to do the prelim is to qualify for a different position altogether...
Click to expand...

I'm not aware of any advanced residencies that require a prelim surgery (and only a prelim surgery) year.

So feel free to keep asking for advice but at least do the decent thing and don't straight up lie to us.
 
So are there going to be non designated spots next year or should I grab whatever I can get after SOAP? This talk about abolishing slavery (aka non designated spots) has been little more than chatter I'vevbeen relayed.
 
Just heard back from ERAS:
You will have access to your currently MyERAS application after SOAP until May 31st at 5 PM to apply to programs. You will be charged the normal application fees. We also suggest that you contact programs prior to applying to confirm they have an open position.
Click to expand...

So the worst case scenario doesn't thankfully include fax machines.
 
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