An Exclusive Answer to Dallas SAT® + PSAT/NMSQT® Prep

Welcome to The Waterton Group

We are The Waterton Group; The only Dallas-based boutique firm specializing in one-on-one test preparation. The Waterton Group offers a truly customized Dallas SAT® and PSAT/NMSQT® experience reserved for the most affluent and ambitions students in the area. Our students typically go on to study at top universities after studying with Waterton. Competition for admission into top universities is growing. More and more international students apply to American Universities each year. With a faltering economy, the college students attend is more important to employers then just ten years ago. This is why every student should do their best to attend a top school. Unfortunately, many students’ SAT® and ACT scores fall short of the minimum requirements because of insufficient, non-specialized instruction. The Waterton Group is the answer.

Why Study for the SAT® with Waterton?

Select students throughout Dallas-Fort Worth rely on the ultra-specialized instruction of Waterton instructors. They are drawn to the experience our instructors offer and capitalize on the guidance for the months leading up to the SAT®. Waterton is are based in Dallas and has relationships with many teachers, students and parents in town. Choosing The Waterton Group guarantees students access to College Board material, extensive vocabulary lists based on past tests, one-on-one instruction with an expert in Dallas SAT® preparation. For students who demand score improvements north of 300 points, the only option in Dallas is The Waterton Group.

Who Studies with Waterton?

Our Directors and Instructors regularly interface with students from both public and private schools throughout Dallas and Collin Counties with an emphasis on Highland Park and University Park, as well as Preston Hollow and West Plano. Past Waterton students have attended private schools including St. Mark's, Hockaday, Greenhill, Jesuit, Parish, ESD, Ursuline, and John Paul II etc. Public Schools have included Highland Park High School, Plano, Rockwall, Frisco, and McKinney High Schools. The advantage of working with students from these schools is Waterton's familiarity with the course curriculum and High School faculty at these and other schools. For example, students who first meet our Directors are fascinated when the Director has worked with their friends in the past. Because of our consistent presence in the Dallas area since 2009, we can leverage relationship and our knowledge of the upper school educational climate when working with students. Waterton actively searches for students throughout the Dallas area, so please don't hesitate to contact us with questions or for an assessment.

PSAT/NMSQT® Information for Dallas Students

The PSAT/NMSQT® is a preliminary version of the popular SAT® test. Created by the College Board, the PSAT/NMSQT® is administered at the High School level year to both sophomores and juniors. Parents of Waterton students often inquire about the importance of the PSAT/NMSQT® in future college plans. The answer is tricky and depends solely on the individual student's ability. The test is graded on a scale of 60-240 points. Every year, the highest scoring students are recognized nationally as National Merit Scholars. Score thresholds for National Merit status are determined on a state by state basis. Texas, because of its size, typically commends those students who achieve at least a 215 on the PSAT/NMSQT®.

Should My Child Prepare for the PSAT/NMSQT®?

Possibly. Students who scored above a 185 on the sophomore year PSAT/NMSQT® should seriously consider contacting Waterton's Dallas office for an assessment. We have found that 185+ Sophomore PSAT/NMSQT® scorers have a strong chance of obtaining the necessary 215 on the Junior year PSAT/NMSQT®. Those students who score below 180 on the sophomore have a much lower chance of National Merit recognition, but we still encourage students to try on their own time. For answers to these or other questions, please feel free to connect with Waterton's Dallas office for PSAT/NMSQT® and SAT® guidance.

SAT® Dates + Information

The Waterton Group suggests that students take the SAT®; test during their late junior or early senior years.  Below is information on each of the tests.  More information can be found by visiting:

For more SAT® Information:  www.collegeboard.com

For more PSAT/NMSQT® Information:  www.collegeboard.com, www.nationalmerit.org/

SAT® or ACT?  Most schools accept either the SAT® or the ACT. The ACT is a “faster” feeling test as there are more problems per minute than the SAT.  However, the problems on the ACT are more straightforward than those on the SAT®. The SAT® has a “slower” feel but the problems tend to be more tricky. The Waterton Group suggests most students take SAT® because it’s easier to manipulate than the ACT.

Note: there are some students who simply score higher on the ACT than the SAT®.  In those cases we push the student to take the ACT.