Post- SOAP Blues
Match Day is almost here. At this point we have witnessed the flood of screenshots on our timelines of those who made it to the next step. However, there are still a great number of applicants who did not MATCH and are awaiting offers via the SOAP. If you are one of those people, good luck!
This article is for those people who are still unable to secure a spot after participating in the SOAP. First, know that you are not alone. Whether there are weaknesses in your application or just tough luck with a competitive residency, know that there are other people who have been in this position before and made it through.
Next, decide what to do next. Are you going to continue applying? Or take some time off to work on strengthening your application?
If you are going to keep applying to enter residency this upcoming July, then know that the list of NRMP Unfilled positions will be updated at 9pm and shared via R3. LOOK AT THIS IMMEDIATELY! You should have a packet of information already, with your personal statement, letters of recommendation, and other requirements. Reach out to ALL of the programs in your specialty of interest with a professional email and all of your material as attachments. At this point you might even consider a different specialty based on what advice you have received and what positions are available. You have access to this list until May 1st, but time is of the essence, so do this immediately. You can also consider 3rd party services that assist with this process, such as the AAMC FindAResident.
If you are not sure that continuing to apply right now is a good idea, that's fine too. Take some time to audit your application and determine what the weaknesses are. Reach out to advisors and letter writers for help identifying these weaknesses. Is there anything that you can do in the next year to address the weaknesses? Or maybe you just need to have a better strategy for addressing them? Talking to your mentors will help you determine this.
If you are choosing to forgo re-applying at this time, then you need something to get you through the next year. Many medical schools allow you to take a 5th year free, and this may be a good option to take. During this 5th year, work on research in your field of interest. Also schedule time to shadow your mentors in the clinic to gain experience that you can discuss during interviews the following year. If there are opportunities to take more subinternships or visiting rotations, then take advantage of them. You want to get your name out there, gain experience, and keep making forward progress.
Ultimately, I feel every hurdle can be overcome with the right strategy and learning to adapt. So by all means, stay positive and keep your eyes on the prize. And if you want an extra set of eyes on your application, reach out to me via the contact form to schedule a 30 minute review. I look forward to speaking with you!