Rachel begins school at NYADA, where she meets junior Brody Weston and starts classes with a tough dance instructor, Cassandra July. This year, the members of New Directions compete amongst themselves to be the new Rachel and hold open auditions to find a fresh crop of students. Meanwhile, the graduating class leaves the comforts of McKinley for the real world where Rachel struggles to please her demanding NYADA teacher and Kurt second-guesses his decision to stay in Lima.