While Andie is recovering from her near-fatal drug overdose, Jack blames Jen for the incident, while Jen blames the deranged Drue for her life falling apart after he turns everyone, including Grams, against Jen by saying that she deliberately slipped Andie the ecstasy. Andie's father tells her that it would be better if she were to spend the rest of the year in Italy with her aunt, since she already has the credits required for an early graduation. Meanwhile, Joey is conflicted when she must ask Dawson to say a good word for a college acceptance form. Also, Dawson continues painting the misanthropic Mr. Brooks' house and realizes that the old man has his own personal life problems with his estranged family.

While Joey glows after being accepted into Worthington University, Dawson is forced to face a crushing rejection when he is denied to NYU. Joey's elated mood, however, is tempered by a sobering realization due to the fact her sister, Bessie, runs a B&B she can't afford the $15,000 tuition requirement, until Dawson proposes a surprising solution: loaning her the money Mr. Brooks left for him in his will, which increases her guilt for lying to him about sleeping with Pacey. Meanwhile, Jen and Jack have nothing but options when it comes to college. While Jack's convinced that New York is the place to go, Jen isn't so sure she's ready to return there because of unresolved issues with her parents. Jen tries asking Drue for advice on her past, but he's no help.