For medical students looking toward Match Week, the to-do list seems to come fast and furious, with deadlines and shifting needs at each step. Even the language used to describe the residency match process can feel daunting. The AMA is here to help you demystify the match terminology you may encounter and help you prepare for Match Week.
COMLEX-USA
- Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination, which osteopathic medical students are required to take (COMLEX Level 1 and 2 exams) and plays a role in applications.
LOR
- Letters of recommendation, which are crucial for residency applications.
Match madness
- Describes the stressful, sometimes chaotic nature of Match Week.
NRMP
- National Resident Matching Program, which runs the main residency match and SOAP.
PGY-1
- Post-graduate year 1, the first year of residency, often discussed when students refer to programs they have matched with.
Post-match depression
- Describes the anxiety and disappointment some students feel if they don’t match.
Red flags
- Slang for anything in an application that may raise concerns for residency programs.
Residency fam
- Refers to classmates and peers who are going through the match process together. See also: “Match squad.”
ROL
- Rank-order list, the list of residency programs ranked by the applicant.
Scramble
- Informal term used for the frantic nature of applying to programs during SOAP.
SOAP
- Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program, where unmatched students apply for unfilled residency spots.
SOAP call
- A call or email students receive during SOAP if a program is interested in interviewing them.
SOAP week blues
- Stress associated with participating in SOAP for unmatched students.
SOAP-er
- A student who participates in SOAP after not matching.
USMLE
- United States Medical Licensing Examination, which plays a big part in applications. "Step 1" and "Step 2" refer to key parts of this exam.
