Jen reveals an important decision she's made with regards to college while Jack and Grams make a decision on their own for her. When Dawson comes up empty with answers to an important question on his college essay on registration for USC Film School, he turns to Mr. Brooks for inspiration and learns that Mr. Brooks' life in Hollywood eerily parallels Dawson's own life when Mr. Brooks left the filmmaking business after his best friend and girlfriend got together. Meanwhile, Pacey accompanies Joey to a formal party at the Yacht Club for prospective Worthington College students where the visiting dean, Walter Kubelik is impressed... with Pacey. Also, Gretchen takes over planning for Gail and Mitch's Christmas party at the restaurant where Mr. Brooks has a meeting of minds with Grams Ryan.