SOAP Interview Process – Submitting Applications and Preparing for Contact

SOAP Interview Process: Daniel’s Critical 48 Hours

With his SOAP applications submitted, Daniel enters a high-pressure waiting period. Programs will start reviewing applications immediately, and those interested will reach out for interviews.

Daniel knows that the SOAP interview process moves fast—if a program contacts him, he must be ready to respond professionally, interview on short notice, and make quick decisions.

But now he has even more questions:

• How do SOAP interviews work?
• What are programs looking for in candidates?
• What happens if no one contacts me?
• Can I apply again before each round?
• Do I have to wait until Tuesday to apply?
• When exactly will I hear back from programs?

This article explores what happens after SOAP applications are submitted, how Daniel should prepare for rapid interviews, and what to do if no offers come in.

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Step 1: What Happens After Applications Are Submitted?

Once Daniel submits his SOAP applications through ERAS, residency programs begin reviewing candidates immediately. Unlike the traditional Match, there are no ranking lists—programs simply decide whom they want to contact for an interview.

🔹 Daniel does not need to wait until Tuesday to apply—he can start submitting applications on Monday at 11 AM ET.
🔹 Programs review applications Monday through Wednesday.
🔹 Programs initiate contact—applicants CANNOT reach out first.
🔹 Some programs conduct quick interviews, while others make decisions based solely on applications.

Key Takeaway: After submitting applications, applicants must be ready for rapid responses, phone calls, or interview requests.

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Step 2: How the SOAP Interview Process Works

Unlike traditional residency interviews, the SOAP interview process is often short and direct. Programs need to fill positions quickly, so they focus on key information.

Common SOAP Interview Questions:

✅ Why are you interested in this program?
✅ Why are you applying to this specialty?
✅ How soon can you start? (Programs want applicants who can transition quickly.)
✅ How do you handle high-pressure situations?
✅ Do you have any visa restrictions?

Since Daniel is applying to multiple specialties, he prepares for questions in each one. A Family Medicine program will ask different questions than a Surgery program, so he tailors his responses accordingly.

Tip: SOAP interviews are often conducted over the phone or via video calls. Daniel ensures he has a quiet environment, a strong internet connection, and professional attire ready.

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Step 3: Rules About SOAP Communication

Daniel quickly learns that SOAP interviews have strict communication rules.

🚫 Applicants cannot contact programs first. Only programs may reach out.
🚫 Applicants cannot ask about their chances. Programs will make their decisions independently.
🚫 If an applicant receives an offer, they have only TWO HOURS to accept or reject it.

These rules ensure a fair and organized process, preventing applicants from pressuring programs or violating ethical guidelines.

Lesson: If a program reaches out, Daniel must be prepared to impress without breaking communication rules.

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Step 4: Can I Apply Again Before Each Offer Round?

One of Daniel’s biggest concerns is whether he can submit new applications before each offer round.

🔹 No—SOAP applications are only submitted once. Daniel applies on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday, and programs make their selections from that pool of applications.
🔹 He cannot submit new applications before each round. Instead, he must wait and see if he receives an offer.
🔹 If he doesn’t receive an offer in Round 1, his application is still considered for later rounds.

Reality Check: Daniel must make the most of his initial 45 applications, as he cannot adjust them later.

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Step 5: When Will Daniel Hear Back From Programs?

Daniel wonders when programs will start reaching out.

🔹 Programs begin reviewing applications immediately on Monday and continue through Wednesday.
🔹 Some applicants will receive phone calls or interview invitations early. Others may not hear anything until offer rounds begin.
🔹 Offer rounds happen only on Thursday at set times (9 AM, 12 PM, 3 PM, 5 PM ET).

If Daniel does not receive an offer, he must wait for the next round. If he is still unmatched after all four rounds, he can explore unfilled programs after SOAP ends.

Lesson: The SOAP interview process is a waiting game, but Daniel must be ready to act fast if a program reaches out.
What happens if he gets nothing?.

SOAP Timeline: Key Events and Deadlines

Timeframe	Event
Monday of Match Week	Daniel finds out he is unmatched and gains access to the List of Unfilled Programs at 10 AM ET.
Monday 11 AM ET – Wednesday 9 AM ET	He submits applications (maximum 45 applications). Programs review applications and may conduct brief interviews.
Thursday 9 AM ET	SOAP Offer Round 1 begins.
Thursday 12 PM ET	SOAP Offer Round 2 begins.
Thursday 3 PM ET	SOAP Offer Round 3 begins.
Thursday 5 PM ET	Final SOAP Offer Round begins.
Thursday 9 PM ET	SOAP officially ends. Any remaining unfilled positions become publicly available to all unmatched applicants.

IMGPrep Match Smarter Not Harder!!

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