SOAP 2019 Thread

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colli512 said:
I had 6 interviews, 1 email. 1 offer in round 1. But I know that some people with the same amount who had 2 or even 3 offers...
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Did you get them in one day? Im a little nervous since I didnt get any interviews yesterday. Idk if thats ok because of what happened with the system or what.
 
This is a brutal process with so much uncertainty. But I am also learning to be REALLY patient in this process and endure.

It is nice to at least see I am not alone in this process. I agree with the above statement; this will only make us stronger and better doctors in the end.

Everyones situation is different but its all been done before! Lets try to keep positive, patient, and make the most of the decks we are given in life. Life is too short, to be depressed. Try to talk to someone (w GOOD advice, feel free to reach out to me) and don't isolate yourself. I know my faith defintely helps me through this hard time, maybe go to Church. Just know you are not alone.
 
Mx300 said:
Did you get them in one day? Im a little nervous since I didnt get any interviews yesterday. Idk if thats ok because of what happened with the system or what.
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I got 2 one day and the rest the next day
 
I know tv is helping me right now. I think just because there are 2 rounds instead of 3 there will be less probability of matching for anyone with red flags such as step failures and visa requirements because these people tend to be picked late in the process. That’s what I heard. Also I believe because of the aoa Acgme reconciliation dos will have a better chance this year.
I left a couple applications just in case wondering if I should use them right now but know that it won’t make a difference. Sigh.
 
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Mx300 said:
My school informed me that no-one at my school gets offers in the third round. Its always first and second. From past threads it looks like alot of IMG's get offers in the third round so this might be an issue. I dont know how the process works but if I was a PD looking to fill my spots with two rounds. I would be looking for someone who is ideally dedicated to that field, ready to graduate on time, and seeming kind of desperate. I know that sounds harsh but I feel like thats as certain as you could be in this situation.
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Are we not all desperate if we are already here?

All the speculation in the world doesn't matter and will only cause more mental anguish today. We just have to wait and see.
 
My significant other has matched (we did not do couples match) and interviewed a program that currently has 14 vacant spots. would be considered a violation if he contacts them?
 
underdogtohopeful said:
My significant other has matched (we did not do couples match) and interviewed a program that currently has 14 vacant spots. would be considered a violation if he contacts them?
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He can't contact them, but did you make sure you sent your application to that program?
 
wysdoc said:
He can't contact them, but did you make sure you sent your application to that program?
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thank you. yeah i definitely sent in my application. He is from the state where the program is located and i'm not so I don't know how much of that will play a role. I'm ready to go any of the places I applied to. I'm flexible when it comes to living situations so at least I got that goin' for me.
 
Got a call from a PD from a program I spoke to yesterday. I'm praying that we all get some more calls soon! This waiting is nerve-wracking.
 
erassoapschedule.jpg
the New New SOAP timeline lol
 
ali bomaye said:
how does scramble work?
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From my understanding after the second round of SOAP its basically a free for all for the unfilled spots that are left. You can contact programs directly and try to convince them to take you in or even to listen to you...look at your CV. Its a stuggle but since you can bother the programs by actually contacting them, its a more involved process.
 
KahlonMD said:
From my understanding after the second round of SOAP its basically a free for all for the unfilled spots that are left. You can contact programs directly and try to convince them to take you in or even to listen to you...look at your CV. Its a stuggle but since you can bother the programs by actually contacting them, its a more involved process.
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Can we visit programs in person?
 
KahlonMD said:
From my understanding after the second round of SOAP its basically a free for all for the unfilled spots that are left. You can contact programs directly and try to convince them to take you in or even to listen to you...look at your CV. Its a stuggle but since you can bother the programs by actually contacting them, its a more involved process.
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Also what are the chances for US IMG
 
Just talked to someone at my school. They said that they have seen people get offers without phone interviews quite a bit. Like 50/50. Just throwing it out there, dont be too freaked out if no one is calling.
 
Hello to everybody! First of all thank you for making this thread, it is really comforting to know about people that are experiencing the same anxiety since nobody here at home really knows what I am feeling.
I have a few questions for you guys:

1. If we dont get any calls, can programs still offer a position during the SOAP rounds ?
2. After the SOAP ends we can start contacting programs by mail right?
3. Until what time should I expect programs to call?
4. Does anyone know what are the chances of matching at this point for an IMG?

I am on call today at the ER in my country but keeping my hopes up! Good luck to everyone!
 
Mx300 said:
Just talked to someone at my school. They said that they have seen people get offers without phone interviews quite a bit. Like 50/50. Just throwing it out there, dont be too freaked out if no one is calling.
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How is possible you will receive an offer without phone interview at least. and it is only for US or also for IMG?
 
Internal Applicant said:
Hello to everybody! First of all thank you for making this thread, it is really comforting to know about people that are experiencing the same anxiety since nobody here at home really knows what I am feeling.
I have a few questions for you guys:

1. If we dont get any calls, can programs still offer a position during the SOAP rounds ? YES
2. After the SOAP ends we can start contacting programs by mail right? YES
3. Until what time should I expect programs to call? Until 8am EST tomorrow morning basically.
4. Does anyone know what are the chances of matching at this point for an IMG? No idea

I am on call today at the ER in my country but keeping my hopes up! Good luck to everyone!
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Internal Applicant said:
Hello to everybody! First of all thank you for making this thread, it is really comforting to know about people that are experiencing the same anxiety since nobody here at home really knows what I am feeling.
I have a few questions for you guys:

1. If we dont get any calls, can programs still offer a position during the SOAP rounds ?
2. After the SOAP ends we can start contacting programs by mail right?
3. Until what time should I expect programs to call?
4. Does anyone know what are the chances of matching at this point for an IMG?

I am on call today at the ER in my country but keeping my hopes up! Good luck to everyone!
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Per nrmp last year 200/9000 IMG matched in SOAP
 
Has anyone who's gotten cold calls been asked "Why this program?"
I'm assuming if its a cold call, they would realize there was no time to look up the program details.
 
Giovanna said:
How is possible you will receive an offer without phone interview at least. and it is only for US or also for IMG?
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I got this information from my school. I am a US MD, so I dont know if it applies to IMG's.
 
Any DOs in this mess? What will you be applying and what do you think our chances are in matching during this SOAP process? I have applied to 26 peds, 2 TRIs, and 17 FM programs with only passing COMLEX scores and no USMLE. Hoping to land one of them.
 
rokshana said:
...unlike the mainmatch, the soap is not favoring the applicant...the power here shifts and is now in the hands of the programs
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Although it might feel that way, this isn't exactly true. In fact, it's the opposite.

There are many more SOAP applicants than SOAP spots. So, at the end of the process (regardless of what process we use), there will be candidates with no spots, but all spots will be filled by candidates. So, in that way, the "power" is in the hands of programs.

But, with the way SOAP works, programs can only offer the number of spots they have, and then applicants can get multiple offers, pick one, and that leaves programs open for another round. So, actually, applicants have much more "power" in SOAP than programs.

Kinda depends upon how you look at it, and how you define "power".

JAH2022 said:
So how does the POST SOAP process go if you are still unmatched and no SOAP?
They release a list of programs with unfilled positions on nrmp and then we are free to contact the programs without fear of match violation via telephone, email or whatever? And what do we say? Can i get your unfilled position that I saw on NRMP? Sorry for the questions that may seem silly.
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Yes. Post SOAP, the unfilled list becomes open and you can contact anyone you want, any way you want. However, not all programs will fill all slots, so even if the list says a program has an open spot, they may not. You contact programs via email/phone, and ask if they are still accepting applications for their open spot. Be prepared for lots of negative answers.

neworleans8 said:
I want to make sure I understand the SOAP process so I don't mess this up like I somehow messed up the match despite ranking 14 programs (sigh). I had 5 phone interviews today, in two different specialties (neither speciality is what I originally applied to). I am getting the feeling from talking to these program directors that they basically need to hear me commit in order to get an offer. One PD even gave me her cell phone number, told me to call/text her if I want to go there. Maybe I am just cynical based on what went down in the match, but how could I possibly trust that she isn't full of crap? Am I honestly supposed to "pick" some place and go after it or am I supposed to aggressively pursue all leads like they are all my first choice? How does this even work? Part of me is still holding on to the hope that a program in my intended specialty contacts me, but bottom line is I need to match. No research years or what not for me.
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First, you didn't "mess up the match". If you ranked all 14 programs and didn't match, you wouldn't have matched no matter what order the rank list was. I don't know what happened that you didn't match -- that's worth pursuing if you don't SOAP successfully (and perhaps worth exploring in any case). You should see if there are any friendly programs that could give you feedback on your interviews. If you have a "home program" that's the best place to start, they might give you feedback. But I would wait until SOAP is over.

Regarding SOAP strategy, I agree that you should be 100% positive with every interview. regardless of your real feelings on the matter, you want to ensure as many offers as possible. Yes, this puts your own interests in front of "what's best for everyone" but that's the way the world is. The match is designed to deal with this problem, but not SOAP. So if you're asked, every program is your top choice -- and that's true, because it might be your only choice. It's unfair of programs to ask you.

That said, I understand why programs ask. You don't want to offer spots to people who won't take them, because then you might lose your 2nd choice to another program that offers them in the 1st round. But that's life.

colli512 said:
Interview tip. This may be obvious but if any program asks if you’ve received any other calls say NO. I made the mistake last year of not realizing why they asked me. I was taken aback and out of not knowing what else to say and not wanting to lie I said yes (thinking they were just gauging other programs’ interest in me). I realized later that they asked me this to see how likely It was I would accept their first round offer. They want to fill in the first round as much as we want to get an offer in the first round. Even though I received another offer, I may not have had to move if I answered that question with a simple “No”. I hope you all get lots of calls today!
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Same as above, you want all programs to think you're their #1, and only, choice.

underdogtohopeful said:
My significant other has matched (we did not do couples match) and interviewed a program that currently has 14 vacant spots. would be considered a violation if he contacts them?
Click to expand...

Yes, it is. And we don't find out whom we got until Thursday (although unless the NRMP changes that cutoff, we will now know before the 2nd round). If you're sure your partner matched there (he/she ranked it #1 - in that case they matched there unless they were not ranked by the program), you should put that somewhere in your application, presumably in the PS.
 
Hey everyone, I made a google survey to gauge how many phone calls and emails people have been receiving. Someone did this last year. I found this might be helpful to alleviate some anxiety. Let me know if this works.

Psychiatry: Psych
Transitional Year: TY
Prelim-Medicine: Prelim-Medicine
Prelim-Surgical: Prelim-Surgery
Anesthesiology: Anesthesiology
Dermatology: Derm
EM: Emergency Med
FM: Family Med
Internal Medicine: Internal Med
Neurology: Neuro
Pathology: Pathology
Pediatrics: Peds
PM&R: PMR
Radiology: Rads

Good luck everyone!!

Edit:
OB/Gyn: OB/Gyn
OB/Gyn Prelim: OBGyn Prelim
 
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Are programs still calling for interviews tomorrow after the 1st round of offers? Is there still a chance for an interview tomorrow? How do you submit your application after SOAP? Is it in ERAS? Do we need to be ready with a copy of LORs & our USMLE transcript
 
aProgDirector said:
Although it might feel that way, this isn't exactly true. In fact, it's the opposite.

There are many more SOAP applicants than SOAP spots. So, at the end of the process (regardless of what process we use), there will be candidates with no spots, but all spots will be filled by candidates. So, in that way, the "power" is in the hands of programs.

But, with the way SOAP works, programs can only offer the number of spots they have, and then applicants can get multiple offers, pick one, and that leaves programs open for another round. So, actually, applicants have much more "power" in SOAP than programs.

Kinda depends upon how you look at it, and how you define "power".



Yes. Post SOAP, the unfilled list becomes open and you can contact anyone you want, any way you want. However, not all programs will fill all slots, so even if the list says a program has an open spot, they may not. You contact programs via email/phone, and ask if they are still accepting applications for their open spot. Be prepared for lots of negative answers.



First, you didn't "mess up the match". If you ranked all 14 programs and didn't match, you wouldn't have matched no matter what order the rank list was. I don't know what happened that you didn't match -- that's worth pursuing if you don't SOAP successfully (and perhaps worth exploring in any case). You should see if there are any friendly programs that could give you feedback on your interviews. If you have a "home program" that's the best place to start, they might give you feedback. But I would wait until SOAP is over.

Regarding SOAP strategy, I agree that you should be 100% positive with every interview. regardless of your real feelings on the matter, you want to ensure as many offers as possible. Yes, this puts your own interests in front of "what's best for everyone" but that's the way the world is. The match is designed to deal with this problem, but not SOAP. So if you're asked, every program is your top choice -- and that's true, because it might be your only choice. It's unfair of programs to ask you.

That said, I understand why programs ask. You don't want to offer spots to people who won't take them, because then you might lose your 2nd choice to another program that offers them in the 1st round. But that's life.



Same as above, you want all programs to think you're their #1, and only, choice.



Yes, it is. And we don't find out whom we got until Thursday (although unless the NRMP changes that cutoff, we will now know before the 2nd round). If you're sure your partner matched there (he/she ranked it #1 - in that case they matched there unless they were not ranked by the program), you should put that somewhere in your application, presumably in the PS.
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Thank you for posting all these answers @aProgDirector !
 
No emails or no calls 🙁( I'm losing hope 🙁
 
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