Concerns have been mounting across campus regarding a major admissions decision. In August of 2017, NYU Shanghai will be flooded with a record number of incoming freshman after an increase in target class size made by university admissions. This is a signaling move on the part of the administration and comes as our first graduates don their cap and gown. While it may cement our image as a successful venture into U.S.-China higher education, many students believe now might not be the best time to grow.One rising sophomore, who wishes to stay anonymous, said, “I could barely get into a POH with our class size now, I don’t know what it’s going to look like second semester sophomore year.” A lack of capacity is at the heart of most concerns among current students. Joseph Hensersky, another rising sophomore, shared mixed feelings. “It’s cool, more people, but it’s also alarming," he said. With current waitlists for core classes exceeding 10 students, this concern is understandable. Moreover, with an academic advising staff of only seven, we are in danger of losing the benefits provided by such a small campus. On the other hand, it seems that administration has taken steps to address this concern. In the fall of next year, incoming freshman will be split into two Global Perspectives on Society lectures, as opposed to one. We can only hope that with the registration of incoming students in late August, the administration will have a better grasp of what courses need to be expanded. We are likely to see many adjustments in this period. Personally, I understand the concern with capacity. I am hard-pressed to give up a seat in the library or deal with an overcrowded smoke section, but these are growing pains. NYU Shanghai was to inevitably expand, but as a part of the first four classes, we have a hand in molding that expansion and creating a culture. So, from me to you, welcome to the Class of 2021. This article was written by Sarah Tahir. Please send an email to [email protected] to get in touch. Photo Credit: Savannah Billman