1. Jean Lantz, Assistant Dean March 2012

2.  Did you go to only a few interviews?  Did you have a short rank list (<6 programs)?  Did you limit yourself geographically?  Did you only apply to a competitive specialty?  Did you have “problems” with your application and/or your interviews?  Do you have a “gut” feeling that you will not match?

3.  Review NRMP’s webcast & Jean Lantz’s Q & A  http://chicago.medicine.uic.edu/student_serv ices/osa/m4/ http://chicago.medicine.uic.edu/student_serv ices/osa/m4/  During the week of March 5-9 (prior to SOAP), meet with your OSA advisor, OSA dean or faculty advisor/mentor now. It does not mean that you will not match but you will be better prepared, just in case you don’t  Discuss important issues and identify options before SOAP begins

4.  Should you participate in SOAP?  What are your realistic options in SOAP?  Should you pursue a different specialty?  Should you apply to a wider geographic area?  When you make career decisions, do you need help or support from others to make a quick decision?  Do you have extenuating personal circumstances?  Should you consider delaying graduation?

5.  Should you prepare a new personal statement?  Do you need new letters of recommendation?  Should OSA upload an updated transcript showing more M4 year clerkships?  Prepare your ERAS documents ready for SOAP in advance.

6.  Report to OSA ASAP on Mon March 12th- after 11:00 am  Respect confidentiality of all SOAP participants  Meet with OSA deans and advisors to discuss SOAP strategy  Bring a friend/family member, if desired, to help with decision-making, provide assistance, support  Bring laptop, lunch provided  OSA will work with your course director to obtain an excused absence

7.  ERAS – used exclusively for applying SOAP  No cost for ERAS in SOAP  Mon Mar 12 noon – apply max 30 programs  Wed Mar 14 11:00 am – apply max 10 more programs  Thu Mar 15 11:00 am – apply 5 more

8.  Programs lead communication, not you  Programs could request phone, Skype, or in- person local interview  Three hours for each mini match round  Be ready to accept a position if offered. Same contract rules as the main match.  Unfilled list updated as positions fill

9.  SOAP ends for you when you accept an offer  No other offers will be made to you  Binding contract through NRMP  Notify OSA of exact position accepted  SOAP position added to Match results, envelope at Match Day, etc.  Respect confidentiality of all SOAP participants

10.  Wed March 14 – offers begin at 11:00 am; second round offers 2:00 pm  Thurs March 15 – offers 8:00, 11:00, 2:00 pm  Fri March 16 – offers 8:00, 11:00, 2:00 pm  Offers are good for 2 hours  Encourage accepting first offer received

11.  Attendance at Match Day encouraged  SOAP results envelope available just like other students  SOAP result on web site and Commencement program just like other students

12. Contact Jean Lantz, jlantz@uic.edujlantz@uic.edu 312-413-3274