From the Desk of James Denke  _{-- Executive Director of The Waterton Group}

The Waterton Group Provides the Most Exclusive, Results-Driven Test Prep in Dallas

_{Follow the tabbed links above to read a 2009 Letter from the Executive Director and a 2011 Local Interview as well.}

Navigating today's complex world of test preparation is daunting and students often wonder what makes up the best Dallas test prep option. Here's some of the savvy advice Executive Director James Denke gives to Dallas clients:

Why are tests so important in today's academic environment?

The competition for undergraduate and graduate programs is fierce. Many students have a top 25% class rank or a stellar undergraduate GPA, and this is why more emphasis has been placed on SAT scores over the past five years, particularly the last eighteen months. For example, every wait-listed applicant to Notre Dame was ultimately rejected this year.

What is the biggest misconception about standardized tests?

Students and parents often think that one can't study for these tests. What we've seen is sharp increases in students' scores throughout town. We can immediately begin effective work to improve students' scores. For example, after a few pointed questions about a student's background, our Directors quickly gauge proficiency in areas of math, grammar, logic, and verbal skills. I know, for example, that a Junior who attends Highland Park HS taking Mrs. Smith's AP English class has been exposed to little grammatical rules this year. When I start to delve deeper into a student's background, I can typically identify the top 5 areas for improvement within minutes. It is quite amazing what experience can do for test preparation.

What type of students use Waterton tutors? Students contact us because the process of self-preparation for important tests like the SAT or the GMAT is simply insufficient for top academic programs. When considering other Dallas options, including classroom courses, students choose to work with me and other Waterton instructors for a tailored lesson plan. It also helps that they were referred by a close friend.

What really differentiates The Waterton Group from other options throughout Dallas? Results. We offer such hyper-customized test preparation, selected students have no choice but to improve their scores. Waterton students regularly realize 300+ point improvement on the SAT, 10 points on the LSAT, and even 150 points on the GMAT. We utilize materials created by test makers. Whether it’s College Board practice tests or paper tests from GMAC, Waterton efficiently guides students through actual problems from past tests.

So that's why students choose The Waterton Group?

Absolutely! Their friends and family members have relied on our instructors and they have come to know Waterton as the best test prep option in Dallas. I'm sure there are great shops in different cities throughout the country, but in Dallas, Waterton is king. Interested students can contact our Park Cities office or fill out the Preliminary Application form on our website for a personalized assessment with myself or another Director.

As Executive Director and an educator, are you really invested in your students?

Of course! Not only do we value our students, we rely on them. We stopped advertising in early 2011. Waterton now operates mostly off of referrals from past Dallas students and parents. To be specific, we regularly receive referrals from students at Highland Park HS, John Paul II, Jesuit, St. Mark's, Hockaday, and other private schools throughout DFW. Each student that we accept receives direct, one-on-one attention, and most continue communication with our team even after their time with us is complete. One of my first students in the Dallas area is now Director of Operations for the Waterton Group.