Residency Match Process — ERAS, NRMP, and MS4 Timeline Guide

Category	The Match (NRMP Main)	SOAP (Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program)

Key differences

The main Match is a months-long process; SOAP is a 72-hour scramble during Match Week
NRMP uses a Nobel-Prize-winning algorithm (Gale-Shapley) that favors applicants' preferences
SOAP positions are typically less competitive specialties or programs that went unfilled
Applicants cannot participate in both the main match and SOAP simultaneously — Match comes first
Rank your list by honest preference — the algorithm makes it impossible to strategize your way to a better outcome

Common mistakes

× Ranking programs strategically rather than by true preference — the Gale-Shapley algorithm makes this actively harmful
× Not applying broadly enough — match rates drop significantly for applicants with fewer than 15–20 interviews
× Waiting too long to prepare ERAS application materials — personal statements and letters of recommendation take months

Test yourself

Quick check

1. The NRMP Gale-Shapley algorithm is applicant-optimal, meaning:

2. SOAP (Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program) occurs:

Frequently asked questions

How does the NRMP algorithm actually work?

The NRMP uses the Gale-Shapley stable matching algorithm. It iteratively proposes applicants to their top-ranked program; programs tentatively hold their highest-ranked applicants and reject others. Rejected applicants are then proposed to their next choice. This continues until all proposals are resolved. The algorithm is applicant-optimal — ranking honestly always maximizes your outcome. There is no strategy that can improve your result over truthful ranking.

What is a competitive number of interviews for the match?

Match rate increases sharply up to ~12–15 interviews and plateaus around 15–20. Below 10 interviews, match rates drop significantly. Data from NRMP shows that with 10 interviews, about 85% of applicants match; with 15+, it exceeds 95%. These numbers vary significantly by specialty — what's 'competitive' in internal medicine differs from orthopedic surgery.

Can you withdraw your rank list after submitting it?

Yes, but only before the NRMP deadline. Once the rank list deadline passes (typically the last Wednesday of February), lists are certified and cannot be changed. Match results are binding — if you match to a program, you are legally and ethically obligated to accept. Reneging on a match can result in suspension from future NRMP participation.

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