The Admissions Office plays an integral role in our community here at Woodstock, because it literally shapes our community. We had the wonderful opportunity to interview the Director of said department, Ms. Eldri. Ms. Eldri has only been a part of The Woodstock community for 5 months however, she has taken up the role of Director of Admissions for 1 month. She brings along her immense experience of 17 years working at the admissions departments of various schools. From Catholic to Spanish schools, her experience is vast and diverse. The interview provides valuable insight into the Admissions department, how they operate and their goals and visions for the future of Woodstock.

Sonak : Could you start off with a brief overview of what you do here?

Ms. Eldri : I began as the Communications Director, and when this position became available, there wasa discussion about finding someone to step in until a permanent head of admissions could be appointed. I was approached because I had experience handling both communications and admissions simultaneously in previous roles. This combination has worked well here too, as admissions and communications complement each other. Having both responsibilities in one role has proven to be effective at this point in time.

Sonak : What responsibilities does the Admissions Office have?

Ms. Eldri : The Admissions Office is primarily responsible for recruiting students who would be a strong fit for Woodstock School. We do not simply accept every applicant; instead, we look for students who will thrive within the Woodstock community. Each year, as the graduating class leaves and some families relocate or withdraw for financial or personal reasons, we must ensure enrollment numbers are maintained and ideally increased. Growth is vital for a school’s health, particularly in light of inflation and rising costs.

Another key responsibility is maintaining international diversity. As an international school, it is important to ensure representation from many nationalities to provide students with a global perspective. We are also committed to being peace-builders, which means actively seeking out high-quality students from conflict zones through our Scholars for Peace program. Additionally, we are launching specialized initiatives, such as the Music Mastery Program, aimed at recruiting talented musicians to join our pre-conservatory track.

Sonak : How has the admissions process changed over the years?

Ms. Eldri : Today, most of the process is automated. We offer both in-person and virtual meetings. Despite the automation, we maintain personal relationships with families, which is crucial.

Another change is that Woodstock now takes a stronger marketing approach. In the past, Woodstock filled up naturally and competition was minimal. Now, with other schools in the region affiliated with prestigious institutions abroad, we have recognized the need to actively market Woodstock’s unique offerings.

Sonak : When I joined in 7th grade, there were logic and English tests, along with an essay. How is the testing process different now?

Ms. Eldri : The test is no longer limited to English. It is now a generic, standardized test also used by universities like Cambridge and Ivy institutions. It is conducted online, though students may also take it at the school. In addition, the admissions process includes a more rigorous interview stage involving multiple stakeholders: the Head of Upper Years, the MYP Head, the Student Support and ELL departments, and potentially even the Dean of Students.

Sonak : Beyond academics, what qualities or personality traits do you look for in students?

Ms. Eldri : We look for students who will be a good fit for Woodstock’s environment. Enthusiasm, adaptability, and being well-rounded are important qualities. Boarding life requires adjustment, so we assess whether students can transition smoothly from living at home to dorm life.

We ask families about psychological, emotional, or social challenges and evaluate readiness accordingly. The student’s own motivation also matters greatly—sometimes parents want Woodstock more than the child does, which can cause difficulties later. The interview helps us gauge whether the student genuinely wants to be here.

Sonak : Approximately how many applications do you receive each cycle?

Ms. Eldri : We typically receive between 250 and 300 applications per admissions cycle.

Sonak : And how many seats do you have available each year?

Ms. Eldri : Our official capacity is just under 500 students. Typically, we can accept about 150 new students annually. This includes replacing the graduating class (around 100 students) as well as accounting for students who withdraw during the year. Ultimately, we admit roughly half of all applicants, depending on suitability. Not all applicants are accepted.

Sonak : Do you have any memorable stories about applicants or families?

Ms. Eldri : I have only been here in the admissions department for a month, but one story stands out. Early in my time, I interviewed a young boy who was very ambitious and dreamed of becoming president one day. When I asked him what made him anxious, he confidently replied that he never feels anxious. Later in the interview, when asked what he would change about himself, he answered, ‘my anxiety.’ It was a humorous reminder that children often contradict themselves in charming ways. He also told me that for fun, he reads business books and The Financial Times, which I found unusual but endearing.

Sonak : You have been at Woodstock for 5 months. Going forward, what goals do you have for the Woodstock community?

Ms. Eldri : What drew me to Woodstock was the richness of its traditions and programs. I believe some traditions, such as cross-country and other extracurricular activities, should be revived to provide a more holistic student experience. The environment here is extraordinary, and outdoor education should be more fully integrated into student life. I also feel the music department is exceptional but under-celebrated, which is why we are launching the Music Mastery initiative.

Woodstock also has impressive science and arts facilities, including eight science labs and a theater that will soon reopen. These should be more prominently showcased. Personally, I am passionate about dance and could see value in offering it as an academic subject one day.

Sonak : Some students feel the school is becoming less diverse, with fewer international applicants and more local enrollment. How do you plan to address this?

Ms. Eldri : We have seen growing interest from international families, particularly from South Africa, but historically, we did not follow up effectively with inquiries. Moving forward, we are implementing outreach efforts: a new staff member will focus on proactive communication, we will participate in international education fairs, and teachers traveling abroad will carry admissions materials. We also plan to use targeted digital advertising campaigns to attract applicants from specific countries. The key is to actively seek students rather than waiting for them to come to us.

I would like to thank the admissions department for all the work they do here at Woodstock,

Written by Sonak Dhanraj Godara, a journalist at The Woodstocker.

Edited by Priyanshi Poddar and Trishana Panchagatti, Co-Editors in Cheif at The Woodstocker