The girls' acting skills are put to the test when actress Tia Mowry gives the group an acting lesson, after which they are put to the test with actor Efren Ramirez. The winning model and a friend get unexpected visits. Finally, models from past seasons join the current models in a photo shoot highlighting the series' most scandalous events.

35 girls arrive at "Top Model Prep" where they meet Mr. Jay Manuel and Miss J. Alexander. They shoot a class photo before commencing runway lessons with Miss J., where Lauren is seen as the weakest walker. Next, the girls attend a bonfire where the "Homecoming Queen" is going to be announced. The cheerleaders by the stage are revealed to be a few contestants from past cycles. Mr. Jay then announces that the finalists will be taken to New York City. Homecoming Queen turns out to be Tyra, who surprises the girls, coming from behind the curtains. Casting interviews then commence.

In between interviews, a fight breaks out between Shaya and Fatima, but they later forgive each other when she reveals that she is a survivor of female circumcision. Memorable auditions include Stacy Ann's lap dance, Fatima telling the judges about her genital mutilation, and Claire's confession about drinking her own breast milk so her baby can breastfeed when she returns home. After the interviews, the girls are pared down to the final 20, where they participate in a senior class photo shoot and have to do their own hair and make up.