I'm more curious of what the second years are doing. We saw Teronori and Isshiki get ready to travel in the beginning of the promotion arc. I wonder if they will play a part in the final stages of the exams. It's strange that the the Elite 10 appeared in stage 3, for the first years. Even if they are going against the rebels, the Elite 10 usually would appear as a final boss.

I'm assuming the teams will be split like what happened during the central remincenses. This is because they kept the Megumi-Takumi-Soma team and just added Erina. Also, Nikumi left with Isami; Isami was in a team with Yuki and Fumio. With Fumio being unable to come due to obvious reasons, Nikumi substituted. Therefore teams will be:

Team 1: Isami, Yuki, Nikumi, + potential Team 2: Ibusaki, Marui, Ryoko + potential Team 3: Hisako, Aoki, Sato + potential. This should have Alice otherwise this team is pathetic and basically Hisako solo. Team 4: Soma, Megumi, Takumi, Erina.

With 2 teams beside 4, since they're solo, going to the 3rd location. Since at location 3, stage 3 diverts to two paths at stage 4 while location 1 and 2 continue in the same path.