Rory is accepted into the elite Chilton prep school. Bad news for Lorelai: she must make amends with her parents to borrow the money for Rory's tuition. The money is available--with strings attached.
Rory's first day at Chilton, where she has a confrontation with Paris. Emily tries to install an internet connection at Lorelai's house without asking first.
It's snowing, and Lorelai is giddy. She runs into Max in Stars Hollow, and invites him back to her place. But they run into someone unexpected when they get there. Lane feels left-out of Rory's life.
Richard Gilmore is rushed to hospital after collapsing at the Christmas party. Luke goes with Lorelai to the hospital, where Emily and Rory already are.
As the relationship with Rory's teacher Max grows more serious, Lorelai panics and decides to end it, but her attempt to break up with him during Parent-Teacher night at Chilton causes even more trouble at school for Rory.
Two double dates. Rory and Dean set up Lane with Dean's friend and the four go out. Meanwhile Sookie and Jackson's first date includes Lorelai and Jackson's cousin, who's very very weird. Lorelai does not enjoy the evening.
It's Rory and Dean's 3-months anniversary, and he plans a special surprise, but it doesn't quite go as he planned. Luke's old girlfriend, Rachel, turns up.
Rebounding from a fight with Dean, Rory ends up kissing Tristin at a party, while Lorelai follows her own impulse to show up at Max's house for a night of passion.
Lorelai and Max start dating again. After a fight with Lorelai, Rory spends the night at her grandparents' house. Lorelai confronts Dean about the break-up.