Rachel and Kurt finally get their chance to audition for the New York Academy of the Dramatic Arts. Meanwhile, Puck makes a decision about his future after a meeting with his father.

Tina's head injury from falling into a fountain leaves her seeing her fellow singers and other people at McKinley High in a new way as rehearsals continue for the glee club's Nationals performance.

The glee club travels to Chicago, Illinois, to compete in Nationals against the best show choirs in the country, including Vocal Adrenaline, for celebrity judges including Lindsay Lohan and Perez Hilton.

In the season premiere episode, the members of New Directions compete amongst themselves to become the next star of the glee club. During open auditions, a fresh crop of students is introduced, including Marley and Jake Puckerman, Puck's half-brother. Meanwhile, Rachel has a rocky start at NYADA and struggles to please her demanding dance teacher, Cassandra July. She also meets Brody, a handsome upperclassman.

Finn thinks about his future with the glee club after Sectionals are over. Elsewhere, Rachel gets ready for NYADA's winter showcase; and Kurt gets a second chance at an audition.

Rachel is faced with a decision that pits her education against her career. Sam and Mercedes consider rekindling their romance. Kurt comes face-to-face with a hate-crime.