Some insight on season 3 from TV Guide:
Vampire Diaries fans, mark your calendars for September 15. That’s The CW drama’s third-season premiere — and a special day for Elena Gilbert (Nina Dobrev). “Our first episode is Elena’s 18th birthday,” spills exec producer Julie Plec. What’s in store for the birthday girl?
“There will be a small time jump [from where last season ended] as we celebrate Elena’s birthday,” says Plec. “But as is the pattern in Mystic Falls, the event never reaches its climax.” Elena will now be a senior in high school, but don’t bank on a season-ending graduation.
Check out more scoop at TV Guide.