Top 25 PhD Interview Questions & Answers

1. Introduction

Embarking on a PhD journey is a significant endeavor that shapes one’s expertise and career trajectory. The interview process for a PhD position is a crucial step where candidates showcase their potential as researchers. PhD interview questions are designed to probe not only the depth of a candidate’s knowledge but also their passion, problem-solving abilities, and suitability for the academic community. This article provides insights into the types of questions one might expect and offers guidance on how to articulate your experiences and aspirations effectively.

Navigating PhD Interviews

The doctoral interview is a pivotal moment in an academic career. It’s where the aspirant’s dedication to research, ability to withstand rigorous scrutiny, and commitment to contribute to their field come under the spotlight. For institutions, it’s a decisive opportunity to align a candidate’s aspirations with the department’s goals and ethos. Successful navigation of this process hinges on understanding the subtleties of each question, which often delve into past research experiences, ethical considerations, technical abilities, and future ambitions. It is imperative to approach these interviews with a reflective and strategic mindset, as they lay the groundwork for what could be years of collaboration and discovery.

3. PhD Interview Questions

1. Can you briefly summarize your PhD thesis and its main contributions? (Research & Knowledge)

How to Answer:
When answering this question, strive to articulate the essence of your thesis succinctly, highlighting the novel aspects of your work and its significance to the field. Focus on the problem you addressed, your methodology, key findings, and contributions to knowledge or practice. Remember, the interviewer is looking for clarity of thought, the ability to communicate complex ideas simply, and the significance of your work.

Example Answer:
My PhD thesis, titled "Machine Learning Approaches for Predicting Protein Structure from Genetic Sequences," focused on developing computational models that can accurately predict the three-dimensional structure of proteins based on their amino acid sequences. The main contributions of my work are as follows:

• Developed a new algorithm that leverages deep learning techniques to improve prediction accuracy by 15% over existing methods.
• Created a publicly available software tool implementing our algorithm, which has been adopted by several research laboratories.
• Contributed to the understanding of the relationship between genetic mutations and structural changes in proteins, which has implications for drug design and personalized medicine.

2. How did you choose your PhD research topic? (Motivation & Decision-making)

How to Answer:
Discuss your personal interest in the topic, any gaps you observed in the literature, and how your educational and professional background led you to this specific area of study. Be sure to convey your passion for the subject and how your decision-making process was driven by a desire to contribute to the field.

Example Answer:
I have always been fascinated by the complexity of biological systems and the potential for computational methods to solve biological problems. During my Master’s, I worked on a project involving protein-ligand interactions, which exposed me to the limitations of current predictive models. I chose my PhD topic to bridge this gap, driven by the potential impact on therapeutic development and a strong belief in the power of machine learning to transform biological research.

3. Describe a significant challenge you faced during your PhD research and how you overcame it. (Problem-solving & Resilience)

How to Answer:
Reflect on a particular obstacle that was critical to your research. Explain the steps you took to address the challenge, highlighting your analytical skills, creativity, and perseverance. Demonstrate how you used resources, sought advice, and stayed motivated despite difficulties.

Example Answer:
One significant challenge I faced was data scarcity for training my machine learning models. To overcome this, I:

• Collaborated with biologists to gain access to unpublished datasets.
• Improved data augmentation techniques to enhance the size and diversity of my training data.
• Reached out to the research community through conferences and workshops, which led to valuable partnerships and data sharing agreements.

These strategies not only helped me to successfully train robust models but also underscored the importance of interdisciplinary cooperation in scientific research.

4. How do you see your PhD research fitting into the broader context of your field? (Research Impact & Vision)

How to Answer:
Connect your research to current trends and debates within your field. Discuss how your findings address a particular need or gap and how they could influence future research, policy, or practice. Show that you are aware of the broader implications and potential applications of your work.

Example Answer:
My research addresses a critical bottleneck in the field of computational biology – the ability to predict protein structures rapidly and accurately. It aligns with the recent push towards precision medicine, where such predictions are invaluable for understanding disease mechanisms and developing targeted therapies. I envision my work catalyzing further advancements in drug discovery and contributing to a deeper comprehension of genetic diseases.

5. Discuss a moment when you had to change the direction of your research; how did you adapt? (Adaptability & Critical Thinking)

How to Answer:
Describe a specific instance where you encountered evidence or challenges that necessitated a change in your research approach or hypothesis. Detail how you evaluated the situation, considered alternatives, and ultimately made a strategic decision to pivot. Emphasize your flexibility and critical thinking skills.

Example Answer:
Halfway through my PhD, I discovered that the protein complex I was studying had an alternative conformation under physiological conditions, which contradicted my original hypothesis. I adapted by:

• Conducting a thorough literature review to understand the new conformation.
• Redesigning my experiments to study both conformations.
• Updating my computational models to account for the structural variability.

This shift not only refined my research focus but also broadened the applicability of my findings, leading to a more comprehensive understanding of the protein’s function.

Markdown Table Illustrating the Adaptation Process:

Original Approach	Challenge	Adapted Approach
Single conformation analysis	Discovery of alternative conformation	Dual conformation analysis
Linear modeling techniques	Limited model flexibility	Implementation of non-linear modeling
Focus on static structural prediction	Need for dynamic understanding	Inclusion of protein dynamics studies

6. What are the most relevant techniques or methodologies you’ve mastered during your PhD? (Technical Skills & Expertise)

How to Answer:
You should identify the technical skills and methodologies that are most relevant to your field of study and the research you conducted during your PhD. Be specific about the techniques you’ve become proficient in and explain their relevance to your research area. If possible, briefly describe how you have applied these techniques in your work.

Example Answer:
During my PhD research, I have mastered several key techniques and methodologies that are particularly relevant to my field of computational biology:

• Bioinformatics Analysis: I’ve developed proficiency in analyzing large-scale genomic datasets using tools such as BLAST, Clustal Omega, and R/Bioconductor.
• Machine Learning: I have applied machine learning algorithms, including random forests and support vector machines, for predictive modeling and data classification.
• Statistical Analysis: I am well-versed in statistical methods for analyzing experimental data, particularly using R and Python’s SciPy and Pandas libraries.
• Molecular Dynamics Simulations: For structural biology projects, I’ve conducted molecular dynamics simulations using GROMACS to study protein-ligand interactions.

Each of these methodologies has been crucial for my thesis work, which involves predicting the functional impact of genetic variations in cancer-related genes.

7. How do you approach collaborative projects and what role do you usually take on a team? (Teamwork & Collaboration)

How to Answer:
Discuss your approach to working collaboratively, highlighting how you contribute to team projects and the roles you typically assume. Reflect on your interpersonal skills, flexibility, and ability to work with diverse team members. Mention any leadership or supportive roles you’ve taken and how you help achieve the project’s goals.

Example Answer:
In collaborative projects, I adopt an inclusive and proactive approach. My role often varies depending on the team’s needs, but I can summarize my typical roles as follows:

• Coordinator: I frequently take on the task of organizing meetings, setting agendas, and keeping the team on track with deadlines.
• Communicator: I ensure that all team members are on the same page by facilitating open communication and resolving any misunderstandings or conflicts.
• Contributor: I actively participate by contributing ideas, carrying out tasks assigned to me, and providing constructive feedback to others.

I value each team member’s input and strive to create an environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing their perspectives. During a recent collaboration with chemists and biologists, my role as a coordinator and communicator was instrumental in the successful completion of our joint publication.

8. Describe a situation where you had to communicate complex information to a non-specialist audience. (Communication Skills)

How to Answer:
Reflect on an experience where you had to simplify technical information for an audience without your expertise. Explain how you prepared for this and the strategies you used to ensure that your audience understood the information.

Example Answer:
I had the opportunity to present my research at a university-wide symposium, where the audience comprised faculty and students from various disciplines. To effectively communicate my work on gene editing technologies:

• I avoided jargon and used analogies related to everyday experiences to explain complex concepts.
• I utilized visual aids, such as diagrams and flowcharts, to illustrate the gene editing process.
• I encouraged questions throughout the presentation to gauge understanding and address any areas of confusion.

The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with several attendees expressing a newfound interest in the field of genetics.

9. How do you prioritize tasks and manage your time effectively? (Time Management & Organization)

How to Answer:
Discuss your strategies for task prioritization and time management, including any tools or systems you use. Explain how you balance long-term projects with immediate deadlines and how you ensure productivity and meet your goals.

Example Answer:
To manage my time effectively, I use the following prioritization strategy:

1. Urgent and Important: Tasks with immediate deadlines that are critical to my research progress.
2. Important but Not Urgent: Long-term projects that require consistent effort over time.
3. Urgent but Less Important: Tasks that require quick attention but have a lesser impact on my overall objectives.
4. Neither Urgent nor Important: Activities that can be delegated or done during downtime.

Here’s a simple table to illustrate my approach:

Priority Level	Task Type	Example Task
1	Urgent and Important	Experiment deadlines
2	Important but Not Urgent	Writing a manuscript
3	Urgent but Less Important	Responding to emails
4	Neither Urgent nor Important	Organizing files

I use digital tools like Trello for task management and the Pomodoro Technique to maintain focus during work sessions. This system helps me stay organized and on track with my PhD responsibilities.

10. What are the ethical considerations in your research, and how have you addressed them? (Ethics & Professionalism)

How to Answer:
Identify the ethical considerations that are relevant to your research area. Explain how you have addressed these considerations, whether through adherence to protocols, obtaining informed consent, or maintaining data privacy. Highlight any ethical approvals or oversight you sought for your research.

Example Answer:
The ethical considerations in my research on human genetics include:

• Informed Consent: Ensuring that participants are fully aware of the research scope and potential implications before contributing their genetic data.
• Data Privacy: Implementing strict protocols for anonymizing and securely storing sensitive genetic information to protect participant confidentiality.
• Non-maleficence: Careful experimental design to minimize any risk to participants.

I have addressed these considerations by:

• Developing an informed consent process approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB).
• Employing encryption and access control measures for data storage.
• Regularly reviewing ethical guidelines and attending training on research ethics.

By adhering to these ethical practices, I maintain the professionalism expected of a researcher and respect the rights and welfare of study participants.

11. How do you keep up with the latest developments in your field? (Continuous Learning & Engagement)

How to Answer:
To answer this question, discuss the resources and strategies you use to stay informed about new research, trends, and technologies in your field. Be specific about any journals, conferences, workshops, online platforms, or professional networks you engage with. Demonstrating a proactive approach to learning and staying current will show your commitment to your field of study.

Example Answer:
To keep up with the latest developments in my field, I employ several strategies:

• Regularly reading academic journals: I subscribe to and read leading journals such as Journal X and Journal Y to stay informed about recent research findings.
• Attending conferences and workshops: By participating in annual conferences such as Conference A and workshops organized by Institute B, I can learn from experts and discuss new ideas.
• Online platforms and social media: I follow influential figures and organizations in my field on platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn, and I use sites like ResearchGate and Google Scholar to stay abreast of new publications.
• Professional networks: I am a member of Professional Society Z, where I engage with peers and attend webinars and local chapter meetings.

12. Have you had any experience with teaching or mentoring? If so, describe how you approach these roles. (Mentorship & Education)

How to Answer:
Discuss any experience you have with teaching or mentoring, providing concrete examples. Explain your teaching philosophy or mentoring approach and how you adapt to the needs of different learners. Include any successes or positive outcomes from your experience.

Example Answer:
Yes, I have experience with both teaching and mentoring. As a teaching assistant during my master’s program, I led weekly lab sessions and tutored students one-on-one. My approach to teaching is based on three core principles:

• Active Engagement: I encourage students to participate actively in their learning through discussions and hands-on activities.
• Feedback and Improvement: I provide timely and constructive feedback to help students understand their strengths and areas for improvement.
• Adaptability: I adapt my teaching methods to accommodate different learning styles and paces.

In terms of mentoring, I’ve mentored several undergraduates during their research projects. My mentoring style focuses on:

• Setting clear goals: We set achievable objectives with timelines to ensure progress.
• Building confidence: I emphasize their achievements and help them learn from setbacks.
• Encouraging independence: While providing support, I encourage mentees to think critically and develop their own solutions.

13. Explain a paper that you have published or a conference you attended that had a significant impact on your research. (Contribution & Networking)

How to Answer:
Select a paper or conference that genuinely influenced your work. Describe the content briefly and explain how it affected your research direction, methodology, or understanding of your field. Mention any collaborations or networks that arose as a result.

Example Answer:
I published a paper titled "The Impact of X on Y in Z Conditions," which investigated how variable X affects the process Y under certain environmental conditions. This paper significantly impacted my research as it uncovered a previously unknown interaction between X and Y, which opened up a new line of inquiry in my field.

The paper also led to my collaboration with researchers from other institutions who were investigating similar phenomena. This collaboration resulted in a joint research grant application and the sharing of resources and expertise.

I presented this paper at the Annual Conference of ABC, which allowed me to network with leading experts in my field. The feedback I received during the conference presentations helped refine my subsequent research projects, and the connections made have been invaluable for my professional growth.

14. How do you handle disagreements or criticisms of your research? (Conflict Resolution & Receptiveness)

How to Answer:
Express your openness to criticism and how you use it constructively to improve your research. Explain your method for handling disagreements in a professional and productive manner. Showcase your ability to engage in critical discussions without taking feedback personally.

Example Answer:
When faced with disagreements or criticisms of my research, I handle them with the following approach:

• Listen and Understand: I listen carefully to the criticism to fully understand the concerns and where they are coming from.
• Respond Respectfully: I respond to the criticism respectfully, providing evidence and rationale for my research decisions.
• Reflect and Assess: I reflect on the feedback to determine if it is valid and how it could potentially improve my work.
• Adapt and Implement: If the criticism is constructive, I adapt my research methods or conclusions accordingly.

An example of this is when a peer reviewer questioned the statistical methods used in one of my papers. I reviewed their comments thoroughly, consulted with a statistician, and ultimately adjusted my analysis, leading to a more robust set of results.

15. What are your long-term career goals, and how does obtaining a PhD help you achieve them? (Career Goals & Aspirations)

How to Answer:
Outline your long-term career aspirations clearly and discuss how a PhD is instrumental in reaching those goals. Whether your aim is to enter academia, industry, or another field, explain how the skills and knowledge from a PhD will be applicable.

Example Answer:
My long-term career goal is to become a leading researcher in the field of computational biology, contributing to advancements in personalized medicine. To achieve this, I aim to work in a research-intensive position, either in academia or the biotech industry. Obtaining a PhD is essential for me to:

• Gain Expertise: Develop a deep understanding of computational methods and their application to biological data.
• Conduct Independent Research: Learn how to design and carry out significant research projects independently.
• Develop a Professional Network: Establish connections with other researchers and professionals in my field.
• Enhance Credibility: Earn the credentials necessary to be considered a subject matter expert.

Career Goal	Role of PhD in Achieving Goal
Deepen subject matter expertise	Provides focused and advanced knowledge in computational biology.
Conduct independent research	Equips me with the skills to design and execute comprehensive studies.
Build professional network	Offers opportunities to connect with mentors, collaborators, and peers.
Increase career prospects	Enables access to higher-level research positions in academia or industry.

16. How would you describe your work style and how has it evolved throughout your PhD? (Work Ethic & Personal Development)

How to Answer:
When answering this question, focus on the qualities that make your work style effective for research and academic pursuits. Discuss traits such as organization, time management, perseverance, or adaptability, and explain how they have changed or improved over time. You might also want to touch on your collaborative work style if that is relevant to your experience.

Example Answer:
My work style is characterized by a blend of rigorous planning and flexibility. I prioritize tasks based on their importance and deadlines, and I have developed a systematic approach to tackling my research. Throughout my PhD, my work ethic has evolved significantly:

• Early in my PhD: I followed a strict schedule and often worked in isolation.
• As my research progressed: I began to value collaborative and interdisciplinary work more, and adjusted my schedule to accommodate team meetings and brainstorming sessions.
• Currently: I balance my independent work with collaborations and maintain a more adaptive approach to my research schedule to incorporate unexpected opportunities or challenges.

17. What techniques do you use to analyze and interpret data in your research? (Analytical Skills)

For this question, discuss the various methodologies and tools you use for data analysis in your field. You could mention statistical software, laboratory techniques, theoretical frameworks, or data visualization tools.

• Statistical Analysis: I use software such as R and Python for statistical analysis, employing techniques like regression analysis, hypothesis testing, and Bayesian inference.
• Qualitative Analysis: For qualitative data, I use thematic analysis and content analysis, coding the data with the help of tools like NVivo.
• Data Visualization: To interpret and present data, I create visualizations using Tableau or the ggplot2 package in R for clear and impactful representation of research findings.

18. Are there any areas in your field that you are particularly passionate about? How do you engage with these areas? (Passion & Initiative)

How to Answer:
Discuss the subfields or topics within your area of study that excite you the most. Explain why you are passionate about them and provide concrete examples of how you actively engage with these areas through research, continued learning, or community involvement.

Example Answer:
I am particularly passionate about renewable energy technologies within the field of electrical engineering. I actively engage with this area by:

• Conducting research: Focusing my dissertation on the efficiency of solar cells.
• Networking: Attending conferences and seminars to stay abreast of the latest advancements.
• Contributions: Writing articles for industry publications and applying for patents related to my work.

19. How do you manage stress and maintain a healthy work-life balance during demanding periods of your research? (Stress Management & Well-being)

How to Answer:
This question assesses your ability to handle pressure and maintain personal well-being. Share strategies that have helped you cope with stress, such as time management, hobbies, exercise, or mindfulness practices.

Example Answer:
During demanding periods, I manage stress by:

• Prioritizing tasks and setting realistic goals for each day.
• Taking regular breaks to avoid burnout, using techniques like the Pomodoro Technique.
• Exercising regularly to clear my mind and improve physical health.
• Practicing mindfulness and meditation to maintain mental balance.

20. Have you applied for research grants or funding? Can you discuss the process and outcome? (Grant Writing & Fundraising)

When you answer this question, talk about your experience with the funding process, including identifying potential sources of funding, writing proposals, and the results of your applications.

Step	Description	Outcome
Research	I identified potential grants aligned with my research interests.	Shortlisted options
Proposal Writing	Drafted a detailed proposal, including background and methodology.	Proposal submitted
Submission	Submitted the proposal by the deadline with all required documents.	Under review
Review Process	The proposal underwent a peer review by the funding body.	Feedback received
Outcome	I was awarded the grant, enabling me to conduct my research.	Grant awarded

In my experience, I have applied for several research grants and have been successful in securing funding on multiple occasions. The process involved extensive research to find the right fit for my project, careful proposal writing to articulate the significance and methodology of my research, and staying organized to meet submission deadlines. The outcomes have been positive, providing financial support for my research endeavors.

21. Can you give an example of how you’ve incorporated feedback into your research process? (Receptivity & Improvement)

How to Answer:
When answering this question, aim to demonstrate your openness to constructive criticism and your ability to use feedback to enhance your research. Describe a specific instance where feedback led to improvements in your work. Explain the nature of the feedback, your response, and the outcome.

Example Answer:
In my second year of my PhD, I presented my preliminary findings at a department seminar and received critical feedback from a senior faculty member. The feedback pointed to a potential bias in my methodology which could affect the reliability of my results. Here’s how I incorporated that feedback:

• Acknowledged the issue: I acknowledged the possibility of bias and committed to re-evaluating my methodology.
• Consulted with my advisor: I discussed the feedback with my advisor to understand the implications and determine the best course of action.
• Revised my approach: I modified my experimental design to include a control group, which was previously missing.
• Applied the feedback: The revised methodology strengthened my research by reducing bias and increasing the robustness of my findings.
• Followed up: I followed up with the faculty member to show how their feedback had been instrumental in improving my research.

This process not only improved my current project but also taught me a valuable lesson about the importance of incorporating diverse perspectives in my research approach.

22. Describe a technical problem you encountered in your research and the steps you took to solve it. (Troubleshooting & Technical Proficiency)

How to Answer:
Offer a clear and concise description of a specific technical challenge you faced while conducting your research. Explain the steps you took to diagnose and resolve the issue, showcasing your technical prowess and problem-solving skills.

Example Answer:
During my thesis research, I encountered a significant technical problem with data inconsistency in my machine learning model. The model’s performance was fluctuating wildly, which was not expected. Here’s how I addressed the issue:

• Diagnosis: I started by reviewing the data preprocessing steps to check for any errors. I discovered that the data normalization process was being inconsistently applied.
• Solution Development: I wrote a Python script to automate and standardize the normalization process across all data sets.

# Python code snippet for data normalization
import numpy as np

def normalize_data(data):
    mean = np.mean(data, axis=0)
    std = np.std(data, axis=0)
    return (data - mean) / std

# Applying normalization to the dataset
normalized_data = normalize_data(raw_data)

• Testing: After implementing the new script, I retrained the model and found that the performance became stable and improved.
• Documentation: I documented the issue and the fix in the project’s code repository to help future researchers avoid the same problem.

The resolution of this problem was critical to the success of my project, and it underscored the importance of thorough data preprocessing in machine learning research.

23. How do you approach setting goals and milestones in your research projects? (Project Management & Strategic Planning)

How to Answer:
When discussing your approach to setting goals and milestones, focus on your ability to plan effectively and manage your time. Explain how you prioritize tasks, estimate the time required for each phase, and how you monitor progress.

Example Answer:
I approach setting goals and milestones in my research with a strategic plan that includes the following steps:

• Objective Identification: Define the overall objective of the research project.
• Task Breakdown: Break down the objective into smaller, manageable tasks.
• Prioritization: Prioritize tasks based on their importance and dependencies.
• Milestone Planning: Establish clear milestones for each phase of the project.
• Timeline Creation: Develop a timeline with estimated durations for tasks and milestones.
• Regular Reviews: Conduct regular review meetings to assess progress and make adjustments if needed.
• Documentation: Keep detailed records of the planning and progress for future reference.

By following this structured approach, I ensure that my research projects stay on track and that I can make informed decisions when faced with unforeseen challenges.

24. Have you engaged in any interdisciplinary research, and how do you navigate the challenges that come with it? (Interdisciplinary Skills)

How to Answer:
If you have experience with interdisciplinary research, talk about the nature of the collaboration and the disciplines involved. Focus on the skills and strategies you employ to overcome communication barriers and integrate different methodologies.

Example Answer:
Yes, I have been involved in an interdisciplinary research project that combined computational biology and bioinformatics with clinical research. The challenges and my strategies were as follows:

• Communication: I ensured clear communication by establishing a common vocabulary and using visual aids during discussions.
• Respect for Expertise: I acknowledged and respected the expertise of collaborators, which facilitated mutual learning.
• Integration of Methods: I worked closely with the team to integrate computational models with clinical data, ensuring compatibility and relevance.
• Flexibility: I remained flexible and open to adapting my approach based on the input from various disciplines.

Through these efforts, our team was able to successfully merge distinct perspectives and create a more comprehensive and insightful research outcome.

25. What motivates you to pursue a career in academia or industry after your PhD? (Motivation & Career Planning)

How to Answer:
Reflect on your personal and professional aspirations, and what draws you to a particular career path. Be honest about your motivations, whether it is the pursuit of knowledge, the desire to make an impact, or the drive for innovation.

Example Answer:
My motivation for pursuing a career in academia after my PhD is driven by my passion for research and my commitment to contributing to the advancement of knowledge in my field. Here are specific reasons that motivate me:

• Passion for Teaching: I want to inspire and mentor the next generation of researchers through teaching.
• Research Autonomy: Academia offers the freedom to pursue research questions that I find most compelling and impactful.
• Collaborative Environment: I thrive in the collaborative atmosphere of a university, where I can work with colleagues across different disciplines.
• Lifelong Learning: An academic career provides continuous opportunities for learning and intellectual growth.

Each of these factors aligns with my personal goals and professional aspirations, making academia an ideal setting for my post-PhD career.

4. Tips for Preparation

To ensure you’re well-prepared for a PhD interview, start by thoroughly reviewing your own research, publications, and the scope of your field. Familiarize yourself with the latest trends and debates within your discipline and be ready to discuss how your work contributes to these areas.

Brush up on both your technical expertise and soft skills, as you might be asked to demonstrate your knowledge through problem-solving scenarios or to communicate complex ideas succinctly. Reflect on your leadership experiences, teamwork capabilities, and how you’ve handled challenges in the past.

5. During & After the Interview

In the interview, present yourself confidently and authentically. Interviewers look for candidates who can articulate their research clearly and show enthusiasm for their work. Be engaged, ask thoughtful questions, and demonstrate your interest in the role and the institution.

Avoid common pitfalls such as being overly verbose, failing to answer the question directly, or showing inflexibility in your thinking. Prepare some insightful questions to ask the interviewer about the program or position, as this can show your genuine interest and proactive nature.

Post-interview, it’s prudent to send a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. This small gesture can leave a positive impression. Typically, institutions inform candidates of the next steps or decisions within a few weeks, but it’s acceptable to politely inquire about the timeline if it wasn’t discussed.