Rory's first day at Chilton doesn't go smoothly: First, Lorelai's attire offends Emily and the headmaster; then Rory meets some obnoxious classmates.

After Rory receives a bad grade on her English paper, Lorelai helps her cram for a big Shakespeare exam – but catastrophe strikes on test day.

Rory clashes with Emily when Emily plans a formal birthday party for her. Meanwhile, Lorelai organizes a casual get-together to celebrate.

Rory attends her first dance with Dean but they get home late, causing Emily and Lorelai to fight over Lorelai's mothering skills.

After Paris causes a scandal by exposing the relationship between a parent and a teacher, she is confronted.

Trouble ensues when Rory takes her friends to a Bangles concert in New York. Lorelai learns something about Luke's romantic past.

Rory and Dean celebrate their three-month anniversary, but things don't go as planned. Luke's ex-girlfriend Rachel arrives in town.

After recent events, Rory keeps busy, refusing to give in to self-pity. Meanwhile, Stars Hollow's residents rally around her, much to her dismay.

When Lorelai's grandmother offers a trust fund for Rory's education, Emily fears losing contact with a financially independent Lorelai and Rory.

Rory finally tells Dean the truth about how she feels about him. Sensing something between Lorelai and Luke, Rachel makes a decision.

When Rory and her classmate Tristan are cast as Romeo and Juliet in a school play, a jealous Dean insists on attending every rehearsal.