SOAP 2015

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catlover20 said:
ok so I've basically given up =\. Its horribly depressing and surreal. Feels like somebody died or something, or some big tragedy happened. Ridiculous, right? Anyone else feel like this? Does anyone know exactly how to compose last ditch emails to post-soap unfilled programs (slim chance, I know, but I guess trying doesn't hurt). What exactly do you say in the body? "Hi, I'm not matched, please take me"? I'm not great when it comes to sophistication.
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I think sitting next to a fax machine with your CV and calling programs will be faster. That's what I plan to if I don't get anything during SOAP.
 
What percentage of positions fill up after round 1? Round 2? Etc...
 
catlover20 said:
ok so I've basically given up =\. Its horribly depressing and surreal. Feels like somebody died or something, or some big tragedy happened. Ridiculous, right? Anyone else feel like this? Does anyone know exactly how to compose last ditch emails to post-soap unfilled programs (slim chance, I know, but I guess trying doesn't hurt). What exactly do you say in the body? "Hi, I'm not matched, please take me"? I'm not great when it comes to sophistication.
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I feel you. Same here. Very very depressing
 
catlover20 said:
ok so I've basically given up =\. Its horribly depressing and surreal. Feels like somebody died or something, or some big tragedy happened. Ridiculous, right? Anyone else feel like this? Does anyone know exactly how to compose last ditch emails to post-soap unfilled programs (slim chance, I know, but I guess trying doesn't hurt). What exactly do you say in the body? "Hi, I'm not matched, please take me"? I'm not great when it comes to sophistication.
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I have no useful answers for you, but I think it's 100% normal to feel that way. This is a big tragedy for all of us at the moment. Most of us have worked our entire lives towards this, are 300k+ in debt, some of us have children and spouses to support, and we are currently jobless in a career where you only get job offers once a year. I'd say that qualifies as tragic.
 
WhyNotMedicine said:
I think sitting next to a fax machine with your CV and calling programs will be faster. That's what I plan to if I don't get anything during SOAP.
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I don't own a fax machine... =\ perhaps the school will help out when it comes down to this. But either way, same question -- when you call, what the heck do you say?!
 
At this point, i say f the rules...we're technically not supposed to know if we're getting offers or not, yet people know...PD's always give us nice feedback, yet we're all here. If you know someone at the program, contact them...I doubt anyone's going to rat anyone out at this point. Use whatever means you have.

After Thursday, it'll be a free for all...contact any advisor or whatever means you have of getting in touch with programs. A lot of times our LOR writers are friends of friends, so use them.

For some reason, I think faxing would be the best way to send apps...lots of med students don't really have access to fax machines. Maybe that'll work?? I would stalk websites and look for someone you may know, or an LOR writer who may know someone.
 
Catlover: staples. That's what I'm going to do haha
 
PM&R2015 said:
well no calls today. With the work day coming to a close, I think I'm done for teh first cycle. This sucks, someone hold me.
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I'm sorry you guys are going through this - but in the event that you don't find something through the SOAP, which I'm sure many of you will (obviously there are a few hundred positions in the SOAP), spots typically are still available after the SOAP, pop up throughout the year, and worse case scenario, there is always next year. I know that sounds awful, but trust me when I tell you that many people have been in your shoes before and have successfully matched at a later time. Don't give up hope, but know that it's not the end of the line by all means. The first round of offers is soon to come, act quickly and go from there.


eablackwell said:
I have no useful answers for you, but I think it's 100% normal to feel that way. This is a big tragedy for all of us at the moment. Most of us have worked our entire lives towards this, are 300k+ in debt, some of us have children and spouses to support, and we are currently jobless in a career where you only get job offers once a year. I'd say that qualifies as tragic.
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catlover20 said:
My dean says that if it has to come to round 2, things are not looking good. 🙁
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Agree that the more rounds you stay available, the fewer slots are open. But many candidates get multiple offers and can only take one, so the offers not taken go back to the pool. You're in it until it's over.
 
mcl said:
Agree that the more rounds you stay available, the fewer slots are open. But many candidates get multiple offers and can only take one, so the offers not taken go back to the pool. You're in it until it's over.
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Hmmm ok, I was more curious about the decrease from round 1 to 2
 
mcl said:
Agree that the more rounds you stay available, the fewer slots are open. But many candidates get multiple offers and can only take one, so the offers not taken go back to the pool. You're in it until it's over.
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thanks for the pep talk mcl. prepping for the worst 🙁
 
I'm rewatching The Office to pass the time...I know this is just another anecdotal piece but last year one kid at my school didn't get anything in SOAP. The week before graduation a spot opened up and he's now an intern. I know we're all fearing the worst right now, but I'm sure everyone's schools will be on our side and do all they can to help us. Just keep swimming.
 
flower12345 said:
Hmmm ok, I was more curious about the decrease from round 1 to 2
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It will be significant, but it won't be every position. Again, much will depend on how many applicants get multiple offers, and how many offers those individuals get.
 
saudades said:
I'm rewatching The Office to pass the time...I know this is just another anecdotal piece but last year one kid at my school didn't get anything in SOAP. The week before graduation a spot opened up and he's now an intern. I know we're all fearing the worst right now, but I'm sure everyone's schools will be on our side and do all they can to help us. Just keep swimming.
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I like reading posts like these because it shares possible ways of getting hired outside of the Match.

So far this is what I've read about happening:
  • Calling a program directly after the Match/SOAP to see if they have openings and emailing/faxing your credentials
  • Keeping yourself updated on forums and looking to see if there is any openings because of:
    • An applicant dropping out due to VISA or personal issues
    • A program receiving unexpected funding to open an extra slot
  • Religously checking the find a residency/fellowship page on the AMA website
  • Checking other sources for openings (I don't know any others)

If I missed anything, please let me know!
 
mcl said:
It will be significant, but it won't be every position. Again, much will depend on how many applicants get multiple offers, and how many offers those individuals get.
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agree
 
Thank you so much to whoever started this group. This has been a horrible 3 days. I didn't get any calls either and I am an IMG so I don't have anyone supporting or advising me. Good luck everyone - I am praying for all of us.
 
Keep in touch with PD's that we may know personally from the interview season, home programs, etc. Only other thing I can think of.
 
Will offers trickle in between noon and 2, or will all the round 1 offers be made right at noon? I have one really good lead and one long shot that I know of.
 
OK I just
catlover20 said:
does anyone know when the list of unfilled programs will be posted for round 2? I suppose a better question is, when should I send in those extra 10 applications? I don't want to do it too early and be screwed to find out the ones I applied to have all filled, but I don't want to be too late either...the schedule makes it kind of confusing.
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Just got word from my dean. The list comes out at 2:30. At that time, apply to those 10 programs as quickly as possible. The numbers will be smaller but there will be spots.
 
saudades said:
OK I just


Just got word from my dean. The list comes out at 2:30. At that time, apply to those 10 programs as quickly as possible. The numbers will be smaller but there will be spots.
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sure its not 2?
 
catlover20 said:
sure its not 2?
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Well I don't know when the list comes out, but we can't apply again until 2:30. So I would assume everything has to be updated between 2:00-2:30 for it to be accurate of which programs still have spots. People have until 2:00 to accept or reject offers.
 
msmoritsugu said:
Will offers trickle in between noon and 2, or will all the round 1 offers be made right at noon? I have one really good lead and one long shot that I know of.
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They should all be in at noon because the programs have to have their lists in by 11:55
 
enamor2 said:
Keep in touch with PD's that we may know personally from the interview season, home programs, etc. Only other thing I can think of.
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The PD at your home institution. Any PDs that you met during interviews that you felt you developed a rapport with--you may have ended up being ranked just outside their fill zone, in which case the PD would be sympathetic with your current situation. If you're going to send a "just in case you get an opening" email more widely, send it to the PCs rather than the PDs. The PC would be much more likely to keep that kind of thing for future reference.
 
msmoritsugu said:
Will offers trickle in between noon and 2, or will all the round 1 offers be made right at noon? I have one really good lead and one long shot that I know of.
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No, the offers won't trickle in. It's an all or nothing thing each round. But I'm sure there will be people who get multiple offers and turn them down, so they will be available in round 2.
 
WhyNotMedicine said:
To get things back on track, here is what we know so far is good strategy during SOAP:

If a program contacts you:
  • Contact EVERYONE who is willing to vouch for you including(have them contact the program who called you):
    • Dean
    • LoR writers
    • Anyone that's willing to vouch for you as a professional
  • Write a thank you email(snail mail will not make it in time unless you send it express/overnight)
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This is excellent advice! Thank you!
 
For all the seniors here, i just wanted to say that not matching is not the end of the world. Believe me, I *know* it feels so depressing and hopeless. I completed my internship (which I scrambled into) almost three years ago and am trying to start over, and have had so many, many rejections. I have regretted quitting, even though it was to take care of my family and my own emotional/mental health, which are far more important than career. I have regretted not studying harder, even though I know there's nothing I can do about that now. I have even regretted going into medicine in the first place. But we will end up where we are supposed to be and will be better doctors for it. Those who scoff or matched to their first choice are feeling the high right now, and I'm happy for them. Even the douches, because why be upset at anyone's victory? But someday they will understand struggle and rejection, if they don't already -- whether it be professionally or personally. I'm a woman of faith, and God will refine us all until He can see His image in our countenances. This is but one of many trials by fire, and if we come through it on the other side, we will be better individuals for it. Good luck to everyone here -- 13 minutes and counting 🙂!
 
docmama said:
For all the seniors here, i just wanted to say that not matching is not the end of the world. Believe me, I *know* it feels so depressing and hopeless. I completed my internship (which I scrambled into) almost three years ago and am trying to start over, and have had so many, many rejections. I have regretted quitting, even though it was to take care of my family and my own emotional/mental health, which are far more important than career. I have regretted not studying harder, even though I know there's nothing I can do about that now. I have even regretted going into medicine in the first place. But we will end up where we are supposed to be and will be better doctors for it. Those who scoff or matched to their first choice are feeling the high right now, and I'm happy for them. Even the douches, because why be upset at anyone's victory? But someday they will understand struggle and rejection, if they don't already -- whether it be professionally or personally. I'm a woman of faith, and God will refine us all until He can see His image in our countenances. This is but one of many trials by fire, and if we come through it on the other side, we will be better individuals for it. Good luck to everyone here -- 13 minutes and counting 🙂!
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What an absolutely amazing post! Any program that gets you will be better for it.
 
we can't contact any programs not participating in soap (red star next to their name on the unfilled list) until after soap, right?
 
catlover20 said:
we can't contact any programs not participating in soap (red star next to their name on the unfilled list) until after soap, right?
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You can't initiate contact with any program until after SOAP.
 
catlover20 said:
we can't contact any programs not participating in soap (red star next to their name on the unfilled list) until after soap, right?
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If you are participating in SOAP, you cannot contact ANY programs until they initiate contact with you.

Once a program contacts you though, feel free to contact them and have any of your LoR writers/dean/designated office contact them.
 
2 minutes! The suspense is killing me!!!
 
do you guys think people are contacting unfilled programs not participating in soap already, even though its not allowed....
 
US img, didn't match with 4 ivs, not expecting any offers as i didnt have any calls...sucks
 
"offers are being generated"

i hope this doesnt mean I didnt get any
 
Offers are being generated?????

Way to push me over the edge people. The NRMP must think this is such fun!
 
same thing happened last year...i'm going to feverishly keep refreshing =/
 
does this mean we got no offers if it says offers are being generated for the current round? and that we have to wait until 3?
 
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