DFA INVESTMENT DIMENSIONS GROUP INC
497, 1998-12-14
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<PAGE>
   
                                   PROSPECTUS
                                DECEMBER 8, 1998
                      DFA INVESTMENT DIMENSIONS GROUP INC.
    
 
    DFA INVESTMENT DIMENSIONS GROUP INC. (the "Fund"), 1299 Ocean Avenue, 11th
Floor, Santa Monica, California 90401, (310) 395-8005, is an open-end management
investment company whose shares are offered, without a sales charge, generally
to institutional investors and clients of registered investment advisers.
 
                           DOMESTIC EQUITY PORTFOLIOS
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                                  <C>
U.S. 9-10 SMALL COMPANY PORTFOLIO (FEEDER)           U.S. 4-10 VALUE PORTFOLIO (FEEDER)
U.S. 6-10 SMALL COMPANY PORTFOLIO (FEEDER)           TAX-MANAGED U.S. 5-10 VALUE PORTFOLIO
TAX-MANAGED U.S. 6-10 SMALL COMPANY PORTFOLIO        U.S. 6-10 VALUE PORTFOLIO (FEEDER)
U.S. LARGE CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO (FEEDER)              U.S. LARGE COMPANY PORTFOLIO (FEEDER)
TAX-MANAGED U.S. MARKETWIDE VALUE PORTFOLIO (FEEDER) DFA REAL ESTATE SECURITIES PORTFOLIO
ENHANCED U.S. LARGE COMPANY PORTFOLIO (FEEDER)
</TABLE>
    
 
                        INTERNATIONAL EQUITY PORTFOLIOS
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                                  <C>
JAPANESE SMALL COMPANY PORTFOLIO (FEEDER)            EMERGING MARKETS SMALL CAP PORTFOLIO (FEEDER)
PACIFIC RIM SMALL COMPANY PORTFOLIO (FEEDER)         CONTINENTAL SMALL COMPANY PORTFOLIO (FEEDER)
UNITED KINGDOM SMALL COMPANY PORTFOLIO (FEEDER)      LARGE CAP INTERNATIONAL PORTFOLIO
EMERGING MARKETS PORTFOLIO (FEEDER)                  DFA INTERNATIONAL SMALL CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO
RWB/DFA INTERNATIONAL HIGH BOOK TO                   INTERNATIONAL SMALL COMPANY PORTFOLIO
  MARKET PORTFOLIO (FEEDER)                          EMERGING MARKETS VALUE PORTFOLIO (FEEDER)
TAX-MANAGED DFA INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO
</TABLE>
    
 
                            FIXED INCOME PORTFOLIOS
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                  <C>
DFA ONE-YEAR FIXED INCOME PORTFOLIO (FEEDER)         DFA FIVE-YEAR GOVERNMENT PORTFOLIO
DFA TWO-YEAR GLOBAL FIXED INCOME PORTFOLIO (FEEDER)  DFA INTERMEDIATE GOVERNMENT FIXED INCOME PORTFOLIO
DFA FIVE-YEAR GLOBAL FIXED INCOME PORTFOLIO
</TABLE>
 
   
EACH OF THE "FEEDER" PORTFOLIOS INDICATED ABOVE SEEKS TO ACHIEVE ITS INVESTMENT
OBJECTIVE BY INVESTING ALL OF ITS INVESTABLE ASSETS IN A CORRESPONDING SERIES OF
SHARES OF THE DFA INVESTMENT TRUST COMPANY (THE "TRUST"), OR IN THE CASE OF THE
EMERGING MARKETS VALUE PORTFOLIO, THE DIMENSIONAL EMERGING MARKETS VALUE FUND
INC. (THE "EMERGING MARKETS VALUE FUND"), BOTH OF WHICH ARE OPEN-END, MANAGEMENT
INVESTMENT COMPANIES. THE TRUST ISSUES SERIES (INDIVIDUALLY AND COLLECTIVELY,
THE "SERIES") HAVING THE SAME INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE, POLICIES AND LIMITATIONS AS
EACH FEEDER PORTFOLIO, OTHER THAN EMERGING MARKETS VALUE PORTFOLIO. IN THIS
PROSPECTUS, EACH OF THE "FEEDER" PORTFOLIOS INDICATED ABOVE ARE COLLECTIVELY
REFERRED TO AS THE "FEEDER PORTFOLIOS" AND THE TRUST SERIES AND THE EMERGING
MARKETS VALUE FUND ARE COLLECTIVELY REFERRED TO AS THE "MASTER FUNDS." THE
INTERNATIONAL SMALL COMPANY PORTFOLIO SEEKS TO ACHIEVE ITS INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
BY INVESTING IN UP TO FOUR SERIES OF THE TRUST. THIS INVESTMENT ACTIVITY IS
UNLIKE MANY OTHER INVESTMENT COMPANIES THAT DIRECTLY ACQUIRE AND MANAGE THEIR
OWN PORTFOLIO OF SECURITIES. THE INVESTMENT EXPERIENCE OF EACH FEEDER PORTFOLIO
WILL CORRESPOND DIRECTLY WITH THE INVESTMENT EXPERIENCE OF ITS CORRESPONDING
MASTER FUND. INVESTORS SHOULD CAREFULLY CONSIDER THIS INVESTMENT APPROACH. FOR
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE "THE FEEDER PORTFOLIOS."
    
 
   
    This prospectus sets forth concisely information about the Fund that
prospective investors should know before investing and should be read carefully
and retained for future reference. A statement of additional information about
the Fund, dated December 8, 1998, as amended from time to time, is incorporated
herein by reference. Such statement of additional information has been filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission and is available upon request,
without charge, by writing or calling the Fund at the above address or telephone
number.
    
 
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
   EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE
     COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
       ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION
                          TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
<PAGE>
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                      PAGE
                                                                                                      ----
<S>                                                                                                   <C>
HIGHLIGHTS..........................................................................................     4
CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION.....................................................................    12
THE FEEDER PORTFOLIOS...............................................................................    33
SMALL COMPANY PORTFOLIOS............................................................................    34
  Investment Objective and Policies.................................................................    34
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES--SMALL COMPANY PORTFOLIOS........................................    35
  U.S. 6-10 Small Company Portfolio.................................................................    35
  Tax-Managed U.S. 6-10 Small Company Portfolio.....................................................    35
  U.S. 9-10 Small Company Portfolio.................................................................    35
  Japanese Small Company Portfolio..................................................................    36
  United Kingdom Small Company Portfolio............................................................    36
  Continental Small Company Portfolio...............................................................    36
  Pacific Rim Small Company Portfolio...............................................................    37
  International Small Company Portfolio.............................................................    38
  Portfolio Structure...............................................................................    38
  Portfolio Transactions............................................................................    40
U.S. LARGE COMPANY PORTFOLIO........................................................................    40
  Investment Objective and Policies.................................................................    40
ENHANCED U.S. LARGE COMPANY PORTFOLIO...............................................................    41
  Investment Objective and Policies.................................................................    41
STANDARD & POOR'S--INFORMATION AND DISCLAIMERS......................................................    42
LARGE CAP INTERNATIONAL PORTFOLIO...................................................................    43
  Investment Objective and Policies.................................................................    43
DFA REAL ESTATE SECURITIES PORTFOLIO................................................................    44
  Investment Objective and Policies.................................................................    44
  Portfolio Structure...............................................................................    45
  Portfolio Transactions............................................................................    46
VALUE PORTFOLIOS....................................................................................    46
  Investment Objectives and Policies................................................................    46
  Portfolio Structure...............................................................................    46
  Portfolio Transactions............................................................................    47
RWB/DFA INTERNATIONAL HIGH BOOK TO MARKET PORTFOLIO.................................................    48
  Investment Objective and Policies.................................................................    48
TAX-MANAGED DFA INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO.......................................................    50
  Investment Objective and Policies.................................................................    50
DFA INTERNATIONAL SMALL CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO.........................................................    50
  Investment Objective and Policies.................................................................    50
EMERGING MARKETS PORTFOLIO, EMERGING MARKETS SMALL CAP
  PORTFOLIO AND EMERGING MARKETS VALUE PORTFOLIO....................................................    52
  Investment Objectives and Policies................................................................    52
  Master Fund Characteristics and Policies..........................................................    52
  Portfolio Structure...............................................................................    54
SECURITIES LOANS....................................................................................    55
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                      PAGE
                                                                                                      ----
<S>                                                                                                   <C>
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES--FIXED INCOME PORTFOLIOS.........................................    55
  DFA One-Year Fixed Income Portfolio...............................................................    55
  DFA Two-Year Global Fixed Income Portfolio........................................................    56
  DFA Five-Year Global Fixed Income Portfolio.......................................................    56
  DFA Five-Year Government Portfolio................................................................    57
  DFA Intermediate Government Fixed Income Portfolio................................................    57
  Description of Investments........................................................................    57
  Investments in the Banking Industry...............................................................    59
  Portfolio Strategy................................................................................    59
TAX MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES...........................................................................    60
RISK FACTORS--ALL PORTFOLIOS........................................................................    61
  Small Company Securities..........................................................................    61
  Foreign Securities................................................................................    61
  Investing in Emerging Markets.....................................................................    61
  Foreign Currencies and Related Transactions.......................................................    63
  Introduction of the Euro..........................................................................    63
  Borrowing.........................................................................................    64
  Portfolio Strategies..............................................................................    64
  Futures Contracts and Options on Futures..........................................................    64
  Options on Stock Indices..........................................................................    65
  Swaps.............................................................................................    65
  Banking Industry and Real Estate Concentrations...................................................    66
  Repurchase Agreements.............................................................................    67
  Year 2000 Issue...................................................................................    67
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND..............................................................................    67
  Investment Services--United Kingdom and Continental Small Company Series..........................    69
  Investment Services--Japanese and Pacific Rim Small Company Series................................    70
  Consulting Services--DFA International Small Cap Value Portfolio, Large
    Cap International Portfolio, DFA International Value Series, Tax-Managed
    DFA International Value Portfolio, Emerging Markets Series, Emerging Markets Small Cap Series
    and Dimensional Emerging Markets Value Fund.....................................................    70
  Administrative Services--The Feeder Portfolios and International Small Company Portfolio..........    70
  Administrative Services--All Portfolios...........................................................    72
  Client Service Agent--RWB/DFA International High Book to Market Portfolio.........................    72
  Directors and Officers............................................................................    72
DIVIDENDS, CAPITAL GAINS DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES....................................................    72
PURCHASE OF SHARES..................................................................................    75
  In Kind Purchases.................................................................................    75
VALUATION OF SHARES.................................................................................    76
  Public Offering Price.............................................................................    78
DISTRIBUTION........................................................................................    78
EXCHANGE OF SHARES..................................................................................    79
REDEMPTION OF SHARES................................................................................    79
GENERAL INFORMATION.................................................................................    81
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
                                   HIGHLIGHTS
 
                                                                            PAGE
 
    THE FUND
 
    This prospectus relates to twenty-eight separate Portfolios of the Fund.
Each Portfolio, in effect, represents a separate mutual fund with its own
investment objective and policies. The investment objective of each Portfolio is
a fundamental policy and may not be changed without the affirmative vote of a
majority of its outstanding securities. Investors may choose to invest in one or
more of the Portfolios. Proceeds from the sale of shares of a Portfolio will be
invested in accordance with that Portfolio's investment objective and policies.
A shareholder will be entitled to a pro rata share of all dividends and
distributions arising from the assets of the Portfolio in which he invests. Upon
redeeming shares, a shareholder will receive the current net asset value per
share of the Portfolio represented by the redeemed shares.
 
   
    INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES--SMALL COMPANY PORTFOLIOS                           35
    
 
   
    The investment objective of each of the following Portfolios (the "Small
Company Portfolios") is to achieve long-term capital appreciation by investing
in marketable stocks of small companies. In addition, the Tax-Managed U.S. 6-10
Small Company Portfolio seeks to minimize the impact of federal taxes on returns
by managing its portfolio in a manner that will defer the realization of net
capital gains and may minimize the receipt of dividend income in order to
minimize taxable distributions to investors:
    
 
   
U.S. 9-10 Small Company Portfolio       U.S. 6-10 Small Company Portfolio
Japanese Small Company Portfolio        Tax-Managed U.S. 6-10 Small Company
                                        Portfolio
Continental Small Company Portfolio     United Kingdom Small Company Portfolio
International Small Company Portfolio   Pacific Rim Small Company Portfolio
 
    
 
   
    The size of a company will be measured by its relative market
capitalization. Each Portfolio, except the International Small Company Portfolio
and Tax-Managed U.S. 6-10 Small Company Portfolio invests all of its assets in a
corresponding Series of the Trust. The International Small Company Portfolio
invests all of its assets in four Series of the Trust: Japanese Small Company,
Pacific Rim Small Company, United Kingdom Small Company and Continental Small
Company Series (collectively, the "Underlying Series"). While the International
Small Company Portfolio currently invests in the Pacific Rim Small Company
Series, the Portfolio has ceased making new investments in the Series. The
Tax-Managed U.S. 6-10 Small Company Portfolio directly invests in its own
portfolio securities. Each corresponding Series of the Trust and the Tax-Managed
U.S. 6-10 Small Company Portfolio will be structured by generally basing the
amount of each security purchased on the issuer's relative market
capitalization, applied on a basis of descending values, with a view to
achieving a reasonable reflection of the relative market capitalizations of its
portfolio companies. (See "INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES--SMALL COMPANY
PORTFOLIOS.")
    
 
   
    INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE--U.S. LARGE COMPANY PORTFOLIO                        40
    
 
    The investment objective of U.S. Large Company Portfolio is to approximate
the investment performance of the S&P 500 Index. The Portfolio invests all of
its assets in U.S. Large Company Series of the Trust, which in turn invests in
the stocks which comprise the S&P 500 Index in approximately the same
proportions as they are represented in the S&P 500 Index.
 
   
    INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE--ENHANCED U.S. LARGE COMPANY PORTFOLIO               41
    
 
    The investment objective of the Enhanced U.S. Large Company Portfolio is to
achieve a total return which exceeds the total return performance of the S&P 500
Index. The Portfolio will invest all of its assets in the Enhanced U.S. Large
Company Series of the Trust. The Series may invest in all of the stocks
represented in the S&P 500 Index, options on stock indices, stock index futures
and options thereon, swap
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
agreements on stock indices, shares of investment companies that invest in stock
indices and short-term fixed income obligations.
 
   
    INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE--LARGE CAP INTERNATIONAL PORTFOLIO                   43
    
 
    The investment objective of Large Cap International Portfolio is to achieve
long-term capital appreciation. The Portfolio will invest in a market-weighted
portfolio of the stocks of large non-U.S. companies.
 
   
    INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE--DFA REAL ESTATE SECURITIES PORTFOLIO                44
    
 
    The investment objective of DFA Real Estate Securities Portfolio is to
achieve long-term capital appreciation. The Portfolio will invest in
readily-marketable equity securities of companies whose principal business is in
the real estate industry.
 
   
    INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES--VALUE PORTFOLIOS                                   46
    
 
   
    The investment objective of U.S. Large Cap Value Portfolio, U.S. 4-10 Value
Portfolio, U.S. 6-10 Value Portfolio, Tax-Managed U.S. Marketwide Value
Portfolio and Tax-Managed U.S. 5-10 Value Portfolio (collectively, the "Value
Portfolios") is to achieve long-term capital appreciation. U.S. Large Cap Value
Portfolio, U.S. 4-10 Value Portfolio, U.S. 6-10 Value Portfolio and Tax-Managed
U.S. Marketwide Value Portfolio will invest all of their assets in U.S. Large
Cap Value Series, U.S. 4-10 Value Series, U.S. 6-10 Value Series and Tax-Managed
U.S. Marketwide Value Series (collectively, the "Value Series") of the Trust,
respectively. The Tax-Managed U.S. 5-10 Value Portfolio directly invests in
portfolio securities. The Value Series and the Tax-Managed U.S. 5-10 Value
Portfolio will invest in common stocks of U.S. companies that have a high book
value in relation to their market value. In addition, Tax-Managed U.S. 5-10
Value Portfolio and Tax-Managed U.S. Marketwide Value Portfolio seek to defer
the realization of net capital gains and may minimize the receipt of dividend
income in order to minimize taxable distributions to investors.
    
 
   
    INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE--RWB/DFA INTERNATIONAL HIGH BOOK TO MARKET PORTFOLIO
     AND TAX-MANAGED
     DFA INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO                                        48
    
 
   
    The investment objective of the RWB/DFA International High Book to Market
Portfolio and the Tax-Managed DFA International Value Portfolio is to achieve
long-term capital appreciation. The RWB/DFA International High Book to Market
Portfolio will invest all of its assets in the DFA International Value Series of
the Trust, which in turn will invest in the stocks of large non-U.S. companies
that have a high book value in relation to their market value.
    
 
   
    The Tax-Managed DFA International Value Portfolio will invest in the stocks
of large non-U.S. companies that have a high book value in relation to their
market value. In addition, the Tax-Managed DFA International Value Portfolio
seeks to minimize the impact of federal taxes on returns by managing its
portfolio in a manner that will defer the realization of net capital gains and
may minimize the receipt of dividend income in order to minimize taxable
distributions to investors.
    
 
   
    INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE--DFA INTERNATIONAL SMALL CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO         50
    
 
    The investment objective of the DFA International Small Cap Value Portfolio
is to achieve long-term capital appreciation. The Portfolio will invest in the
stocks of small non-U.S. companies that have a high book value in relation to
their market value.
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
   
    INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES--EMERGING MARKETS PORTFOLIO, EMERGING MARKETS SMALL
     CAP PORTFOLIO AND EMERGING MARKETS VALUE PORTFOLIO                       52
    
 
    The investment objective of both the Emerging Markets Portfolio and the
Emerging Markets Small Cap Portfolio is to achieve long-term capital
appreciation. The Emerging Markets Portfolio will invest all of its assets in
the Emerging Market Series of the Trust, which in turn invests in the equity
securities of larger companies in emerging markets. The Emerging Markets Small
Cap Portfolio will invest all of its assets in the Emerging Markets Small Cap
Series of the Trust, which in turn invests in the equity securities of smaller
companies in emerging markets. The investment objective of the Emerging Markets
Value Portfolio is to achieve long-term capital growth through investment
primarily in emerging market equity securities. The Emerging Markets Value
Portfolio will invest all of its assets in the Emerging Markets Value Fund,
which in turn invests in emerging markets equity securities that are deemed by
Dimensional Fund Advisors Inc. to be value stocks at the time of purchase.
 
   
    INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES--FIXED INCOME PORTFOLIOS                            55
    
 
   
    The investment objective of DFA One-Year Fixed Income Portfolio is to
achieve stable real value of capital with a minimum of risk. The Portfolio
invests all of its assets in DFA One-Year Fixed Income Series of the Trust.
Generally, the Series will acquire high quality obligations which mature within
one year from the date of settlement. However, when greater returns are
available, substantial investments may be made in securities maturing within two
years from the date of settlement as well. In addition, the Series intends to
concentrate investments in the banking industry under certain circumstances.
(See "INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES--FIXED INCOME PORTFOLIOS" and
"Investments in the Banking Industry.")
    
 
   
    The investment objective of DFA Two-Year Global Fixed Income Portfolio is to
maximize total returns consistent with preservation of capital. The Portfolio
will invest all of its assets in DFA Two-Year Global Fixed Income Series of the
Trust. The Series will invest in obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S.
and foreign governments, their agencies and instrumentalities, corporate debt
obligations, bank obligations, commercial paper, and obligations of other
foreign issuers and supranational organizations which mature within two years
from the date of settlement. In addition, the Series intends to concentrate
investments in the banking industry under certain circumstances. (See
"INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES--FIXED INCOME PORTFOLIOS" and "Investments
in the Banking Industry.")
    
 
    The investment objective of DFA Five-Year Government Portfolio is to
maximize total returns available from the universe of high quality debt
obligations. The Portfolio will invest only in obligations of the U.S.
Government and U.S. Government agencies which mature within five years from the
date of settlement and repurchase agreements.
 
    The investment objective of DFA Intermediate Government Fixed Income
Portfolio is to earn current income consistent with preservation of capital. The
Portfolio will invest in non-callable obligations of the U.S. Government and
U.S. Government agencies, AAA-rated, dollar-denominated obligations of foreign
governments and supranational organizations, and futures contracts on U.S.
Treasury securities.
 
    The investment objective of DFA Five-Year Global Fixed Income Portfolio is
to provide a market rate of return for a fixed income portfolio with low
relative volatility of returns. The Portfolio invests in the obligations issued
or guaranteed by the U.S. and foreign governments and their agencies,
obligations of other foreign issuers rated AA or better, corporate debt
obligations, bank obligations, commercial paper and supranational organizations.
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
   
    RISK FACTORS                                                              61
    
 
   
    Japanese Small Company Portfolio, United Kingdom Small Company Portfolio,
Continental Small Company Portfolio, Pacific Rim Small Company Portfolio,
International Small Company Portfolio, Large Cap International Portfolio, DFA
International Small Cap Value Portfolio, RWB/DFA International High Book to
Market Portfolio, Tax-Managed DFA International Value Portfolio, Emerging
Markets Portfolio, Emerging Markets Small Cap Portfolio and Emerging Markets
Value Portfolio (collectively, the "International Equity Portfolios"), DFA
Two-Year Global Fixed Income Portfolio, Enhanced U.S. Large Company Portfolio
and DFA Five-Year Global Fixed Income Portfolio (directly or indirectly through
their investment in the Master Funds) invest in foreign securities which are
traded abroad.
    
 
    DFA One-Year Fixed Income Series, DFA Two-Year Global Fixed Income Series
and Enhanced U.S. Large Company Series of the Trust, in which the corresponding
Feeder Portfolios invest, are authorized to invest in dollar-denominated
obligations of U.S. subsidiaries and branches of foreign banks and
dollar-denominated obligations of foreign issuers traded in the U.S. The DFA
One-Year Fixed Income Series and DFA Two-Year Global Fixed Income Series also
are authorized to concentrate investments in the banking industry in certain
circumstances. DFA Real Estate Securities Portfolio will concentrate its
investments in the real estate industry.
 
   
    DFA Intermediate Government Fixed Income Portfolio may invest in futures
contracts on obligations of the U.S. Government. Large Cap International
Portfolio, the RWB/DFA International High Book to Market Portfolio, Tax-Managed
DFA International Value Portfolio and DFA Real Estate Securities Portfolio may
invest in stock index futures contracts and options thereon and the U.S. Large
Company, the Value and Enhanced U.S. Large Company Series of the Trust, in which
the corresponding Portfolios invest, also may purchase and sell index futures
and options thereon. The Enhanced U.S. Large Company Series and its
corresponding Feeder Portfolio also may invest in options on stock indices and
swap agreements on stock indices.
    
 
    All of the Portfolios are authorized to invest in repurchase agreements. All
of the above described policies involve certain risks. The policy of the Feeder
Portfolios to invest in the shares of the corresponding Master Funds also
involves certain risks. (See "RISK FACTORS--ALL PORTFOLIOS" and "THE FEEDER
PORTFOLIOS.")
 
   
    MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES                                    67
    
 
   
    Dimensional Fund Advisors Inc. (the "Advisor") serves as investment advisor
to each of the Portfolios, except the Feeder Portfolios, and to each Master
Fund. Dimensional Fund Advisors Ltd. serves as sub-advisor of United Kingdom and
Continental Small Company Series of the Trust. DFA Australia Limited serves as
sub-advisor of Japanese and Pacific Rim Small Company Series of the Trust.
Dimensional Fund Advisors Ltd. and DFA Australia Limited also provide consulting
services to the Advisor with respect to DFA International Small Cap Value
Portfolio, Large Cap International Portfolio, DFA International Value Series,
Tax-Managed DFA International Value Portfolio, Emerging Markets Series, Emerging
Markets Small Cap Series and Emerging Markets Value Fund. The Advisor provides
each Feeder Portfolio and International Small Company Portfolio with certain
administrative services. Reinhardt Werba Bowen Advisory Services serves as
client service agent to the RWB/DFA International High Book to Market Portfolio.
(See "MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND.")
    
 
   
    DIVIDEND POLICY                                                           72
    
 
   
    The Domestic and International Equity Portfolios, except for U.S. Large
Company, Enhanced U.S. Large Company, U.S. Large Cap Value and Tax-Managed U.S.
Marketwide Value Portfolios, each distribute substantially all of their own net
investment income in December of each year. U.S. Large Company, Enhanced U.S.
Large Company, U.S. Large Cap Value, Tax-Managed U.S. Marketwide Value, DFA
Intermediate Government Fixed Income, DFA Two-Year Global Fixed Income and DFA
Five-Year
    
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
Global Fixed Income Portfolios distribute dividends from their net investment
income quarterly. DFA One-Year Fixed Income Portfolio distributes dividends from
its net investment income monthly. DFA Five-Year Government Portfolio
distributes dividends from net investment income semi-annually. The Portfolios
will make any distributions from realized net capital gains on an annual basis.
(See "DIVIDENDS, CAPITAL GAINS DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES.")
 
   
    PURCHASE, VALUATION AND REDEMPTION OF SHARES                              75
    
 
   
    Shares of the International Equity Portfolios (except United Kingdom Small
Company, Large Cap International, RWB/DFA International High Book to Market and
Tax-Managed DFA International Value Portfolios) may be purchased at a public
offering price, which is equal to the net asset value of their shares, plus a
reimbursement fee, equal to 1% of such value of the shares of Continental and
Pacific Rim Small Company Portfolios and the Emerging Markets Small Cap
Portfolio; 0.50% of the net asset value of the shares of Japanese Small Company
Portfolio, Emerging Markets Portfolio and Emerging Markets Value Portfolio; and
0.675% of the net asset value of the shares of DFA International Small Cap Value
Portfolio. The reimbursement fee for the International Small Company Portfolio
is based on the current target investment allocations among the Underlying
Series. The reimbursement fee for the International Small Company Portfolio will
change from time to time if the Portfolio changes the target investment
allocation in the Underlying Series. As of the date of this prospectus, the
reimbursement fee for the Portfolio equals 0.675% of the net asset value of the
shares of International Small Company Portfolio.
    
 
    The reimbursement fee is paid to the Portfolio whose shares are purchased
and used to defray the costs associated with investment of the proceeds from the
sale of its shares. No reimbursement fee is assessed in connection with any
purchase of shares by exchange between International Small Company Portfolio and
any of the Feeder Portfolios which invest in the Underlying Series. The shares
of the remaining Portfolios are sold at net asset value. The redemption price of
the shares of all of the Portfolios is equal to the net asset value of their
shares.
 
    The value of the shares issued by each Feeder Portfolio and International
Small Company Portfolio will fluctuate in relation to the investment experience
of the Master Funds and Underlying Series in which such Portfolios invest. The
value of the shares issued by all other Portfolios will fluctuate in relation to
their own investment experience. Unlike shares of money market funds, the shares
of DFA One-Year Fixed Income Portfolio will tend to reflect fluctuations in
interest rates because the corresponding Series of the Trust in which the
Portfolio invests does not seek to stabilize the price of its shares by use of
the "amortized cost" method of securities valuation. (See "PURCHASE OF SHARES,"
"VALUATION OF SHARES" and "REDEMPTION OF SHARES.")
 
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION EXPENSES
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
REIMBURSEMENT FEES (AS PERCENTAGE OF ORIGINAL PURCHASE PRICE)(1)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                           <C>
Japanese Small Company Portfolio............................  0.50%
Continental Small Company Portfolio.........................  1.00%
Pacific Rim Small Company Portfolio.........................  1.00%
Emerging Markets Portfolio..................................  0.50%
Emerging Markets Small Cap Portfolio........................  1.00%
Emerging Markets Value Portfolio............................  0.50%
DFA International Small Cap Value Portfolio.................  0.675%
International Small Company Portfolio.......................  0.675%
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
 
(1) Reimbursement fees are charged to purchasers of shares and paid to these
    Portfolios, except in the case of certain purchases permitted to be made by
    exchange. (See "EXCHANGE OF SHARES.") They serve to offset costs incurred by
    a Portfolio when investing the proceeds from the sale of its
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
    shares and, therefore, stabilize the return of the Portfolio for all
    existing shareholders. (See "VALUATION OF SHARES--Public Offering Price" for
    a more complete description of reimbursement fees.) The Japanese Small
    Company, Continental Small Company, Pacific Rim Small Company, Emerging
    Markets, Emerging Markets Small Cap Series of the Trust and the Emerging
    Markets Value Fund charge a reimbursement fee to purchasers of shares,
    including International Small Company Portfolio, equal to the reimbursement
    fee charged by its corresponding Feeder Portfolio as set forth above.
 
    Except as indicated below, the expenses in the following table are based on
those incurred by the Portfolios and the Master Funds for the fiscal year ended
November 30, 1997.
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES                 MANAGEMENT   ADMINISTRATION    OTHER     TOTAL OPERATING
(AS A PERCENTAGE OF AVERAGE NET ASSETS)           FEE            FEE         EXPENSES      EXPENSES
- ---------------------------------------------  ----------   --------------   --------   ---------------
<S>                                            <C>          <C>              <C>        <C>
U.S. 9-10 Small Company(1)(2)................     0.10%          0.40%         0.10%         0.60%
U.S. 6-10 Small Company(1)...................     0.03%          0.32%         0.10%         0.45%
Tax-Managed U.S. 6-10 Small Company(9).......     0.50%                        0.13%         0.63%
U.S. Large Company(1)(3)
  (after waivers and assumptions)............    0.025%         0.125%         --            0.15%
Enhanced U.S. Large Company(1)(4)
  (after fee waivers)........................     0.05%          0.06%         0.34%         0.45%
U.S. 6-10 Value(1)...........................     0.20%          0.30%         0.10%         0.60%
U.S. Large Cap Value(1)......................     0.10%          0.15%         0.10%         0.35%
Tax-Managed U.S. Marketwide Value(1)(9)......     0.20%          0.15%         0.13%         0.48%
U.S. 4-10 Value(1)(5)........................     0.10%          0.40%         0.13%         0.63%
Tax-Managed U.S. 5-10 Value(9)...............     0.50%                        0.13%         0.63%
DFA Real Estate Securities(6)................     0.30%                        0.18%         0.48%
Japanese Small Company(1)(7)
  (after waivers and assumptions)............     0.10%          0.40%         0.23%         0.73%
Pacific Rim Small Company(1)(7)
  (after waivers and assumptions)............     0.10%          0.40%         0.34%         0.84%
United Kingdom Small Company(1)(7)
  (after waivers and assumptions)............     0.10%          0.40%         0.20%         0.70%
Emerging Markets(1)..........................     0.10%          0.40%         0.49%         0.99%
Emerging Markets Small Cap(1)(5).............     0.20%          0.45%         0.60%         1.25%
Emerging Markets Value(1)(5).................     0.10%          0.40%         0.55%         1.05%
Continental Small Company(1)(7)
  (after waivers and assumptions)............     0.10%          0.40%         0.22%         0.72%
International Small Company(8)
  (after waivers and assumptions)............     0.10%          0.40%         0.25%         0.75%
Large Cap International......................     0.25%                        0.22%         0.47%
RWB/DFA International High Book to
  Market(1)..................................     0.20%          0.01%         0.29%         0.50%
Tax-Managed DFA International Value(9).......     0.50%                        0.45%         0.95%
DFA International Small Cap Value............     0.65%                        0.25%         0.90%
DFA One-Year Fixed Income(1).................     0.05%          0.10%         0.07%         0.22%
DFA Two-Year Global Fixed Income(1)..........     0.05%          0.10%         0.19%         0.34%
DFA Five-Year Global Fixed Income............     0.25%                        0.17%         0.42%
DFA Five-Year Government.....................     0.20%                        0.09%         0.29%
DFA Intermediate Government Fixed Income.....     0.15%                        0.10%         0.25%
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------------------
 
(1) Feeder Portfolio
 
(2) Prior to November 30, 1997, the U.S. 9-10 Small Company Portfolio invested
    its assets directly in stocks of small companies. The above figures have
    been restated to reflect estimated aggregate annualized operating expenses
    of the U.S. 9-10 Small Company Portfolio and its corresponding Series
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
    as though the Portfolio's assets had been invested in the Series during the
    fiscal year ended November 30, 1997.
 
(3) Effective December 1, 1995, pursuant to the terms of the current
    administration agreement with respect to the U.S. Large Company Portfolio,
    the Advisor agreed to waive its fees and/or assume the expenses of the
    Portfolio to the extent (1) necessary to pay the ordinary operating expenses
    of the Portfolio (except the administration fee); and (2) that the indirect
    expenses the Portfolio bears as a shareholder of the Series, on an annual
    basis, exceed 0.025% of the Portfolio's average net assets. Beginning August
    9, 1996, in addition to the waiver/assumption effective on December 1, 1995,
    the Advisor agreed to assume expenses or waive the fee payable by the U.S.
    Large Company Portfolio under the administration agreement by an additional
    .09% of average assets on an annual basis. Absent this arrangement, the
    annualized ratio of total operating expenses to average net assets for U.S.
    Large Company Portfolio for the fiscal year ended November 30, 1997, would
    have been 0.35%.
 
(4) Effective August 1, 1997, the Advisor has agreed to waive its fee under the
    administration agreement to the extent necessary to reduce the direct and
    indirect cumulative annual expenses of the Enhanced U.S. Large Company
    Portfolio to not more than 0.45% of average net assets of the Portfolio on
    an annualized basis; the Portfolio's direct and indirect cumulative annual
    expenses may exceed 0.45% of its average net assets on an annualized basis
    notwithstanding this fee waiver. This arrangement does not extend to the
    fees of the Enhanced U.S. Large Company Series of the Trust. The above
    figures have been restated to reflect operating expenses as though that
    waiver had been in effect throughout the fiscal year ended November 30,
    1997. Absent this arrangement, the annualized ratio of total operating
    expenses to average net assets for the Portfolio was 0.54%.
 
(5) "Other Expenses" are annualized estimates based on anticipated fees and
    expenses through the fiscal year ending November 30, 1998.
 
(6) Effective December 20, 1996, the investment advisory fee payable by the Fund
    on behalf of the DFA Real Estate Securities Portfolio to the Advisor was
    reduced from .325% of the Portfolio's average net assets on an annual basis
    to .30% of the Portfolio's average net assets on an annual basis. Effective
    December 11, 1996, the sub-advisory agreement between the Fund, on behalf of
    the Portfolio, and Aldrich, Eastman and Waltch L.P. ("AEW") terminated;
    pursuant to the terms of the sub-advisory agreement previously in effect,
    the Portfolio paid AEW a fee equal to .175% of its average net assets on an
    annual basis. The above figures have been restated to reflect the reduction
    in the advisory fee and termination of the sub-advisory agreement as though
    they were both in effect throughout the fiscal year ended November 30, 1997.
    See "Management of the Fund."
 
(7) Effective August 9, 1996, the Advisor agreed to waive its administrative fee
    and assume the direct expenses of the Japanese Small Company, United Kingdom
    Small Company, Continental Small Company and Pacific Rim Small Company
    Portfolios to the extent necessary to keep the direct annual expenses of
    each Portfolio to not more than 0.47% of average net assets of the Portfolio
    on an annualized basis; this arrangement does not extend to the fees and
    expenses of the Trust Series. For the fiscal year ended November 30, 1997,
    the Advisor was not required to waive any portion of its fee pursuant to
    such agreement.
 
(8) With respect to International Small Company Portfolio, the amount set forth
    under "Management Fee" reflects the indirect payment of a portion of the
    management fee of each Underlying Series, which is equal to 0.10% of the
    average net assets of such Series on an annual basis; the amounts set forth
    under "Other Expenses" and "Total Operating Expenses" also reflect the
    indirect payment of a portion of the expenses of the Underlying Series. The
    Advisor has agreed to waive its administration fee and assume the direct
    expenses of the International Small Company Portfolio to the extent
    necessary to keep the administration fee and direct annual expenses of the
    Portfolio to not more than 0.45% of average net assets of the Portfolio on
    an annualized basis; this arrangement does not extend
 
                                       10
<PAGE>
    to the fees and expenses of the Underlying Series. The Advisor was not
    required to waive fees or assume expenses for the fiscal year ended November
    30, 1997.
 
   
(9) "Other Expenses" are annualized estimates based on anticipated fees and
    expenses through the fiscal year ending November 30, 1999. These Master
    Funds and Portfolio had not commenced operations during the period
    indicated.
    
 
    For purposes of waivers and/or expense assumptions, the annual expenses are
those expenses incurred in any period consisting of twelve consecutive months.
The Advisor retains the right in its sole discretion to modify or eliminate the
waiver of a portion of its fees or assumption of expenses in the future.
 
EXAMPLE
 
    You would pay the following transaction and annual operating expenses on a
$1,000 investment in each Portfolio, assuming a 5% annual return over each of
the following time periods and redemption at the end of each time period:
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               1 YEAR   3 YEARS   5 YEARS   10 YEARS
                                               ------   -------   -------   --------
<S>                                            <C>      <C>       <C>       <C>
U.S. 9-10 Small Company......................     6       19         33        75
U.S. 6-10 Small Company......................     5       14         25        57
Tax-Managed U.S. 6-10 Small Company..........     6       20        n/a       n/a
U.S. Large Company...........................     2        5          8        19
Enhanced U.S. Large Company..................     5       14         25        57
U.S. 6-10 Value..............................     6       19         33        75
U.S. Large Cap Value.........................     4       11         20        44
Tax-Managed U.S. Marketwide Value............     5       15        n/a       n/a
U.S. 4-10 Value..............................     6       20        n/a       n/a
Tax-Managed U.S. 5-10 Value..................     6       20        n/a       n/a
DFA Real Estate Securities...................     5       15         27        60
Japanese Small Company.......................    12       28         45        95
Pacific Rim Small Company....................    18       37         56       113
United Kingdom Small Company.................     7       22         39        87
Emerging Markets.............................    15       36         59       126
Emerging Markets Small Cap...................    23       49        n/a       n/a
Emerging Markets Value.......................    16       38        n/a       n/a
Continental Small Company....................    17       33         50        99
International Small Company..................    14       31         48        99
Large Cap International......................     5       15         26        59
RWB/DFA International High Book to Market....     5       16         28        63
Tax-Managed DFA International Value..........    10       30        n/a       n/a
DFA International Small Cap Value............    16       35         56       117
DFA One-Year Fixed Income....................     2        7         12        28
DFA Two-Year Global Fixed Income.............     3       11         19        43
DFA Five-Year Global Fixed Income............     4       13         24        53
DFA Five-Year Government.....................     3        9         16        37
DFA Intermediate Government Fixed Income.....     3        8         14        32
</TABLE>
    
 
    The purpose of the above expense table and Example is to assist investors in
understanding the various costs and expenses that an investor in the Portfolios
will bear directly or indirectly. THE EXAMPLE SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED A
REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR FUTURE EXPENSES. ACTUAL EXPENSES MAY BE GREATER OR
LESSER THAN THOSE SHOWN.
 
                                       11
<PAGE>
    With respect to the Feeder Portfolios and International Small Company
Portfolio, the table summarizes the aggregate annual operating expenses of both
the Portfolios and the Master Funds or Underlying Series in which the Portfolios
invest. (See "MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND" for a description of Portfolio, Master
Fund and Underlying Series expenses.) The Board of Directors of the Fund has
considered whether such expenses will be more or less than they would be if the
Feeder Portfolios were to invest directly in the securities held by the Master
Funds. The aggregate amount of expenses for a Feeder Portfolio and the
corresponding Master Fund may be greater than it would be if the Portfolio were
to invest directly in the securities held by the corresponding Master Fund.
However, the total expense ratios for the Feeder Portfolios and the Master Funds
are expected to be less over time than such ratios would be if the Portfolios
were to invest directly in the underlying securities. This is because this
arrangement enables various institutional investors, including the Feeder
Portfolios, to pool their assets, which may be expected to result in economies
by spreading certain fixed costs over a larger asset base. Each shareholder in a
Master Fund, including a Feeder Portfolio, will pay its proportionate share of
the expenses of that Master Fund. By investing in shares of the Underlying
Series, International Small Company Portfolio will indirectly bear its pro rata
share of the operating expenses, management expenses and brokerage costs of such
Series, as well as the expense of operating the Portfolio.
 
   
    The Emerging Markets Small Cap, the Emerging Markets Value, Tax-Managed U.S.
6-10 Small Company, Tax-Managed U.S. Marketwide Value, Tax-Managed U.S. 5-10
Value and Tax-Managed DFA International Value Portfolios (and their
corresponding Master Funds, where applicable) are new and, therefore, the above
example is based on estimated expenses for their respective current fiscal years
and does not extend over five and ten-year periods.
    
 
    For the fiscal year ended November 30, 1997, the equity Portfolios or Master
Funds set forth below received the following net revenue from a securities
lending program which constituted a percentage of the average daily net assets
of the Portfolio or Master Fund:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            PERCENTAGE
PORTFOLIO/SERIES                                              NET REVENUE   OF ASSETS
- ------------------------------------------------------------  -----------   ----------
<S>                                                           <C>           <C>
Large Cap International Portfolio...........................   $   56,000     0.07%
U.S. 9-10 Small Company Portfolio...........................   $  738,000     0.06%
DFA Real Estate Securities Portfolio........................   $   17,000     0.02%
DFA International Small Cap Value Portfolio.................   $  250,000     0.06%
U.S. 6-10 Small Company Series..............................   $  251,000     0.07%
U.S. Large Company Series...................................   $   41,000     0.01%
U.S. 6-10 Value Series......................................   $  612,000     0.03%
U.S. Large Cap Value Series.................................   $  132,000     0.01%
Japanese Small Company Series...............................   $  648,000     0.25%
DFA International Value Series..............................   $1,236,000     0.08%
Pacific Rim Small Company Series............................   $  178,000     0.08%
Continental Small Company Series............................   $  116,000     0.03%
</TABLE>
 
                        CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
   
    The following financial highlights are part of the audited financial
statements of each Portfolio of the Fund other than the Tax-Managed U.S. 6-10
Small Company, U.S. 4-10 Value, Tax-Managed U.S. 5-10 Value, Tax-Managed U.S.
Marketwide Value, Tax-Managed DFA International Value, Emerging Markets Value
and Emerging Markets Small Cap Portfolios, which had not commenced operations by
November 30, 1997. The information for the six month period ended May 31, 1998
has not been audited. The financial statements for each of the past fiscal years
has been audited by independent accountants. The information, related notes, and
the report of the independent accountants covering such financial information
and financial highlights for the Fund's most recent fiscal year contained in the
Fund's annual report to shareholders for the year ended November 30, 1997, are
incorporated by reference into the statement of additional information from the
Fund's annual report to shareholders for the year ended
    
 
                                       12
<PAGE>
   
November 30, 1997 and unaudited financial statements contained in the Fund's
semi-annual report to shareholders for the period ended May 31, 1998. Further
information about each Portfolio's performance (other than the Tax-Managed 6-10
Small Company, U.S. 4-10 Value, Tax-Managed 5-10 Value, Tax-Managed U.S.
Marketwide Value, Tax-Managed DFA International Value, Emerging Markets Value
and Emerging Markets Small Cap Portfolios) is contained in the Fund's annual
report to shareholders for the year ended November 30, 1997 and semi-annual
report to shareholders for the period ended May 31, 1998. A copy of the annual
report (including the report of the independent accountants) and semi-annual
report may be obtained from the Fund upon request at no charge. The "Transfer"
transaction referred to below in footnotes to the Financial Highlights refers to
the transaction which took place on August 9, 1996, in which four Portfolios of
the Fund, the Japanese Small Company Portfolio, the Pacific Rim Small Company
Portfolio, the United Kingdom Small Company Portfolio, and the Continental Small
Company Portfolio, respectively, each transferred their investable assets in
exchange for shares with equal values of a corresponding Series of the Trust.
    
 
                                       13
<PAGE>
                      DFA INVESTMENT DIMENSIONS GROUP INC.
 
                              FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
 
                 FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  THE U.S. 9-10 SMALL COMPANY PORTFOLIO
                                      -------------------------------------------------------------
                                       SIX MONTHS       YEAR         YEAR        YEAR        YEAR
                                         ENDED          ENDED        ENDED       ENDED      ENDED
                                        MAY 31,       NOV. 30,     NOV. 30,    NOV. 30,    NOV. 30,
                                          1998          1997         1996        1995        1994
                                      ------------   -----------   ---------   ---------   --------
                                      (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                   <C>            <C>           <C>         <C>         <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning of
  Period............................   $    13.99    $     12.14   $   11.03   $    8.49   $   8.69
                                      ------------   -----------   ---------   ---------   --------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
Net Investment Income (Loss)........        (0.02)          0.03        0.03        0.05       0.01
Net Gain (Losses) on Securities
  (Realized and Unrealized).........         0.58           3.01        1.85        2.61       0.40
                                      ------------   -----------   ---------   ---------   --------
Total From Investment Operations....         0.56           3.04        1.88        2.66       0.41
                                      ------------   -----------   ---------   ---------   --------
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS
Net Investment Income...............        (0.03)         (0.03)      (0.01)      (0.04)     (0.03)
Net Realized Gains..................        (1.89)         (1.16)      (0.76)      (0.08)     (0.58)
                                      ------------   -----------   ---------   ---------   --------
Total Distributions.................        (1.92)         (1.19)      (0.77)      (0.12)     (0.61)
                                      ------------   -----------   ---------   ---------   --------
Net Asset Value, End of Period......   $    12.63    $     13.99   $   12.14   $   11.03   $   8.49
                                      ------------   -----------   ---------   ---------   --------
                                      ------------   -----------   ---------   ---------   --------
Total Return........................         5.39%#        27.46%      18.05%      31.37%      5.06%
                                      ------------   -----------   ---------   ---------   --------
Net Assets, End of Period
  (thousands).......................   $1,587,226    $ 1,509,427   $1,181,804  $ 925,474   $659,221
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net
  Assets**..........................         0.58%*         0.60%       0.61%       0.62%      0.65%
Ratio of Net Investment Income to
  Average Net Assets................        (0.31)%*        0.21%       0.22%       0.45%      0.16%
Portfolio Turnover Rate.............          N/A          27.81%      23.68%      24.65%     16.56%
Average Commission Rate.............          N/A    $    0.0579   $  0.0604         N/A        N/A
Portfolio Turnover Rate of Master
  Fund Series.......................        26.05%*          N/A         N/A         N/A        N/A
Average Commission Rate of Master
  Fund Series.......................   $   0.0502            N/A         N/A         N/A        N/A
 
<CAPTION>
 
                                                   THE U.S. 9-10 SMALL COMPANY PORTFOLIO
 
                                      ---------------------------------------------------------------
                                        YEAR       YEAR       YEAR       YEAR       YEAR       YEAR
                                       ENDED      ENDED      ENDED      ENDED      ENDED      ENDED
                                      NOV. 30,   NOV. 30,   NOV. 30,   NOV. 30,   NOV. 30,   NOV. 30,
                                        1993       1992       1991       1990       1989       1988
                                      --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
 
<S>                                   <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning of
  Period............................  $   7.75   $   6.33   $   5.34   $   7.74   $   7.66   $   7.50
                                      --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
Net Investment Income (Loss)........      0.03       0.04       0.04       0.07       0.07       0.10
Net Gain (Losses) on Securities
  (Realized and Unrealized).........      1.67       1.53       1.64      (1.77)      0.98       1.48
                                      --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
Total From Investment Operations....      1.70       1.57       1.68      (1.70)      1.05       1.58
                                      --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS
Net Investment Income...............     (0.05)     (0.05)     (0.07)     (0.08)     (0.09)     (0.11)
Net Realized Gains..................     (0.71)     (0.10)     (0.62)     (0.62)     (0.88)     (1.31)
                                      --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
Total Distributions.................     (0.76)     (0.15)     (0.69)     (0.70)     (0.97)     (1.42)
                                      --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
Net Asset Value, End of Period......  $   8.69   $   7.75   $   6.33   $   5.34   $   7.74   $   7.66
                                      --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
                                      --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
Total Return........................     23.91%     25.24%     39.08%    (24.09)%    16.09%     24.36%
                                      --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
Net Assets, End of Period
  (thousands).......................  $630,918   $651,313   $722,289   $561,102   $949,291   $912,518
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net
  Assets**..........................      0.70%      0.68%      0.64%      0.62%      0.62%      0.62%
Ratio of Net Investment Income to
  Average Net Assets................      0.26%      0.53%      0.75%      0.99%      0.86%      1.19%
Portfolio Turnover Rate.............      9.87%      9.72%     10.13%      3.79%      7.86%     25.98%
Average Commission Rate.............       N/A        N/A        N/A        N/A        N/A        N/A
Portfolio Turnover Rate of Master
  Fund Series.......................       N/A        N/A        N/A        N/A        N/A        N/A
Average Commission Rate of Master
  Fund Series.......................       N/A        N/A        N/A        N/A        N/A        N/A
</TABLE>
 
- ----------------------------------
 
  *  Annualized
 
  #  Non-annualized
 
 **  Represents the combined ratio for the portfolio and its respective pro-rata
     share of its Master Fund Series for the period ended May 31, 1998.
 
                                       14
<PAGE>
                      DFA INVESTMENT DIMENSIONS GROUP INC.
 
                              FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
 
                 FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      THE U.S. 6-10 SMALL COMPANY PORTFOLIO
                                          --------------------------------------------------------------
                                            SIX MONTHS         YEAR            YEAR            YEAR
                                              ENDED            ENDED           ENDED           ENDED
                                             MAY 31,         NOV. 30,        NOV. 30,        NOV. 30,
                                               1998            1997            1996            1995
                                          --------------   -------------   -------------   -------------
                                           (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                       <C>              <C>             <C>             <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period....      $   16.89       $    14.53      $    12.64      $    11.08
                                          --------------   -------------   -------------   -------------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
Net Investment Income...................       --                   0.09            0.11            0.09
Net Gain (Losses) on Securities
  (Realized and Unrealized).............           0.87             3.42            2.20            2.81
                                          --------------   -------------   -------------   -------------
Total From Investment Operations........           0.87             3.51            2.31            2.90
                                          --------------   -------------   -------------   -------------
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS
Net Investment Income...................          (0.08)           (0.12)          (0.02)          (0.14)
Net Realized Gains......................          (1.57)           (1.03)          (0.40)          (1.20)
                                          --------------   -------------   -------------   -------------
Total Distributions.....................          (1.65)           (1.15)          (0.42)          (1.34)
                                          --------------   -------------   -------------   -------------
Net Asset Value, End of Period..........      $   16.11       $    16.89      $    14.53      $    12.64
                                          --------------   -------------   -------------   -------------
                                          --------------   -------------   -------------   -------------
Total Return............................           6.15%#          26.12%          18.73%          28.75%
                                          --------------   -------------   -------------   -------------
Net Assets, End of Period (thousands)...      $ 378,902       $  337,992      $  234,194      $  186,644
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net
  Assets**..............................           0.43%*           0.45%           0.48%           0.49%
Ratio of Net Investment Income to
  Average Net Assets....................          (0.05)%*          0.48%           0.75%           0.83%
Portfolio Turnover Rate.................            N/A              N/A             N/A             N/A
Average Commission Rate.................            N/A              N/A             N/A             N/A
Portfolio Turnover Rate of Master Fund
  Series................................          33.72%*          30.04%          32.38%          21.16%
Average Commission Rate of Master Fund
  Series................................      $  0.0524       $   0.0583      $   0.0586             N/A
 
<CAPTION>
 
                                               THE U.S. 6-10 SMALL COMPANY PORTFOLIO
 
                                          ------------------------------------------------
                                              YEAR            YEAR             MARCH 20
                                              ENDED           ENDED               TO
                                            NOV. 30,        NOV. 30,           NOV. 30,
                                              1994            1993               1992
                                          -------------   -------------     --------------
 
<S>                                       <C>             <C>               <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period....     $    11.43      $    10.35         $   10.00
                                          -------------   -------------     --------------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
Net Investment Income...................           0.09            0.08              0.04
Net Gain (Losses) on Securities
  (Realized and Unrealized).............          (0.07)           1.43              0.31
                                          -------------   -------------     --------------
Total From Investment Operations........           0.02            1.51              0.35
                                          -------------   -------------     --------------
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS
Net Investment Income...................          (0.09)          (0.11)         --
Net Realized Gains......................          (0.28)          (0.32)         --
                                          -------------   -------------     --------------
Total Distributions.....................          (0.37)          (0.43)         --
                                          -------------   -------------     --------------
Net Asset Value, End of Period..........     $    11.08      $    11.43         $   10.35
                                          -------------   -------------     --------------
                                          -------------   -------------     --------------
Total Return............................           0.22%          14.72%             6.70%#
                                          -------------   -------------     --------------
Net Assets, End of Period (thousands)...     $  112,137      $  136,863         $ 134,418
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net
  Assets**..............................           0.53%           0.58%             0.48%*
Ratio of Net Investment Income to
  Average Net Assets....................           0.72%           0.70%             0.96%*
Portfolio Turnover Rate.................            N/A            1.81%*(a)          3.41%*
Average Commission Rate.................            N/A             N/A               N/A
Portfolio Turnover Rate of Master Fund
  Series................................          27.65%          32.88%*(b)           N/A
Average Commission Rate of Master Fund
  Series................................            N/A             N/A               N/A
</TABLE>
 
- ----------------------------------
 
  *  Annualized
 
  #  Non-annualized
 
 **  Represents the combined ratio for the portfolio and its pro-rata share of
     its Master Fund Series for the period ended November 30, 1993 and
     subsequent periods.
 
(a)  Portfolio turnover calculated for the period December 1, 1992 to February
     2, 1993 (through the date on which the portfolio transferred its investable
     assets to its corresponding Master Fund Series in a tax-free exchange).
 
(b)  Master Fund Series turnover calculated for the period February 3 to
     November 30, 1993.
 
                                       15
<PAGE>
                      DFA INVESTMENT DIMENSIONS GROUP INC.
 
                              FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
 
                 FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            THE U.S. LARGE CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO
                                    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     SIX MONTHS       YEAR          YEAR          YEAR          YEAR         FEB. 19
                                        ENDED        ENDED         ENDED         ENDED         ENDED            TO
                                       MAY 31,      NOV. 30,      NOV. 30,      NOV. 30,      NOV. 30,       NOV. 30,
                                        1998          1997          1996          1995          1994           1993
                                    -------------   --------      --------      --------      --------      ----------
                                     (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                 <C>             <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning of
  Period......................      $    19.22      $  15.98      $  13.29      $   9.91      $  10.60      $  10.00
                                    -------------   --------      --------      --------      --------      ----------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT
  OPERATIONS
Net Investment Income.........            0.09          0.29          0.30          0.29          0.32          0.18
Net Gain (Losses) on
  Securities (Realized and
  Unrealized).................            3.11          3.60          2.62          3.55         (0.68)         0.59
                                    -------------   --------      --------      --------      --------      ----------
Total From Investment
  Operations..................            3.20          3.89          2.92          3.84         (0.36)         0.77
                                    -------------   --------      --------      --------      --------      ----------
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS
Net Investment Income.........           (0.16)        (0.30)        (0.23)        (0.29)        (0.33)        (0.17)
Net Realized Gains............           (0.84)        (0.35)        --            (0.17)        --               --
                                    -------------   --------      --------      --------      --------      ----------
Total Distributions...........           (1.00)        (0.65)        (0.23)        (0.46)        (0.33)        (0.17)
                                    -------------   --------      --------      --------      --------      ----------
Net Asset Value, End of
  Period......................      $    21.42      $  19.22      $  15.98      $  13.29      $   9.91      $  10.60
                                    -------------   --------      --------      --------      --------      ----------
                                    -------------   --------      --------      --------      --------      ----------
Total Return..................           17.51%#       25.10%        22.20%        39.13%        (3.27)%        7.59%#
                                    -------------   --------      --------      --------      --------      ----------
Net Assets, End of Period
  (thousands).................      $1,068,705      $840,003      $541,149      $280,915      $197,566      $ 90,288
Ratio of Expenses to Average
  Net Assets**................            0.35%*        0.35%         0.36%         0.42%         0.44%         0.47%*
Ratio of Net Investment Income
  to Average Net Assets.......            0.82%*        1.70%         2.17%         2.49%         3.50%         3.38%*
Portfolio Turnover Rate.......             N/A           N/A           N/A           N/A           N/A           N/A
Average Commission Rate.......             N/A           N/A           N/A           N/A           N/A           N/A
Portfolio Turnover Rate of
  Master Fund Series..........           22.09%*       17.71%        20.12%        29.41%        39.33%         0.75%*
Average Commission Rate of
  Master Fund Series..........      $   0.0484      $ 0.0494      $ 0.0499           N/A           N/A           N/A
 
<CAPTION>
                                            THE ENHANCED U.S.
                                              LARGE COMPANY
                                                PORTFOLIO
                                    ---------------------------------
                                       SIX
                                     MONTHS       YEAR       JULY 3,
                                      ENDED       ENDED        TO
                                     MAY 31,    NOV. 30,    NOV. 30,
                                      1998        1997        1996
                                    ---------   ---------   ---------
                                    (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                 <C>         <C>         <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning of
  Period......................      $  13.61    $  11.83    $  10.00
                                    ---------   ---------   ---------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT
  OPERATIONS
Net Investment Income.........          0.33        0.54        0.12
Net Gain (Losses) on
  Securities (Realized and
  Unrealized).................          1.44        2.40        1.71
                                    ---------   ---------   ---------
Total From Investment
  Operations..................          1.77        2.94        1.83
                                    ---------   ---------   ---------
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS
Net Investment Income.........         (0.44)      (0.55)      --
Net Realized Gains............         (1.40)      (0.61)      --
                                    ---------   ---------   ---------
Total Distributions...........         (1.84)      (1.16)      --
                                    ---------   ---------   ---------
Net Asset Value, End of
  Period......................      $  13.54    $  13.61    $  11.83
                                    ---------   ---------   ---------
                                    ---------   ---------   ---------
Total Return..................         14.97%#     27.22%      18.30%#
                                    ---------   ---------   ---------
Net Assets, End of Period
  (thousands).................      $ 51,825    $ 47,642    $ 29,236
Ratio of Expenses to Average
  Net Assets**................          0.45%*      0.52%(d)     0.65%*
Ratio of Net Investment Income
  to Average Net Assets.......          4.72%*      4.51%(d)     3.44%*
Portfolio Turnover Rate.......           N/A         N/A         N/A
Average Commission Rate.......           N/A         N/A         N/A
Portfolio Turnover Rate of
  Master Fund Series..........         66.49%*    193.78%     211.07%*
Average Commission Rate of
  Master Fund Series..........      $ 0.0247    $ 0.0246    $ 0.0200
</TABLE>
 
- ----------------------------------
 
  *  Annualized
 
  #  Non-annualized
 
 **  Represents the combined ratios for the respective portfolio and its
     respective pro-rata share of its Master Fund Series.
 
(d)  Had certain waivers and assumption of expenses not been in effect, the
     ratio of expenses to average net assets for the year end November 30, 1997
     would have been 0.54% and the ratio of net investments income to average
     net assets for the year ended November 30, 1997 would have been 4.49%.
 
                                       16
<PAGE>
                      DFA INVESTMENT DIMENSIONS GROUP INC.
                              FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
                 FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             THE U.S. 6-10 VALUE PORTFOLIO
                                ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                 SIX MONTHS         YEAR           YEAR           YEAR           YEAR         MARCH 2
                                    ENDED          ENDED          ENDED          ENDED          ENDED            TO
                                   MAY 31,        NOV. 30,       NOV. 30,       NOV. 30,       NOV. 30,       NOV. 30,
                                    1998            1997           1996           1995           1994           1993
                                -------------   ------------   ------------   ------------   ------------   ------------
                                 (UNAUDITED)
<S>                             <C>             <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
 
Net Asset Value, Beginning of
  Period......................  $  22.09        $      17.00   $      14.03   $      11.13   $      11.04   $  10.00
                                -------------   ------------   ------------   ------------   ------------   ------------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT
  OPERATIONS
Net Investment Income.........      0.02                0.07           0.11           0.10           0.14       0.11
Net Gain (Losses) on
  Securities (Realized and
  Unrealized).................      1.74                5.49           2.93           3.06           0.10       1.03
                                -------------   ------------   ------------   ------------   ------------   ------------
Total From Investment
  Operations..................      1.76                5.56           3.04           3.16           0.24       1.14
                                -------------   ------------   ------------   ------------   ------------   ------------
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS
Net Investment Income.........     (0.10)              (0.11)         (0.02)         (0.10)         (0.15)     (0.10)
Net Realized Gain.............     (0.92)              (0.36)         (0.05)         (0.16)       --           --
                                -------------   ------------   ------------   ------------   ------------   ------------
Total Distributions...........     (1.02)              (0.47)         (0.07)         (0.26)         (0.15)     (0.10)
                                -------------   ------------   ------------   ------------   ------------   ------------
Net Asset Value, End of
  Period......................  $  22.83        $      22.09   $      17.00   $      14.03   $      11.13   $  11.04
                                -------------   ------------   ------------   ------------   ------------   ------------
                                -------------   ------------   ------------   ------------   ------------   ------------
Total Return..................      8.45%#             33.57%         21.70%         28.41%          2.19%     11.39%#
                                -------------   ------------   ------------   ------------   ------------   ------------
Net Assets, End of Period
  (thousands).................  $2,490,235      $  2,098,654   $  1,207,298   $    609,950   $    344,148   $ 95,682
Ratio of Expenses to Average
  Net Assets**................      0.57%*              0.60%          0.61%          0.64%          0.66%      0.70%*
Ratio of Net Investment Income
  to Average Net Assets.......      0.12%*              0.37%          0.78%          0.85%          1.69%      1.97%*
Portfolio Turnover Rate.......       N/A                 N/A            N/A            N/A            N/A        N/A
Average Commission Rate.......       N/A                 N/A            N/A            N/A            N/A        N/A
Portfolio Turnover Rate of
  Master Fund Series..........     25.99%*             25.47%         14.91%         20.62%          8.22%      1.07%*
Average Commission Rate of
  Master Fund Series..........  $ 0.0522        $     0.0645   $     0.0658            N/A            N/A        N/A
</TABLE>
 
- ----------------------------------
 
  *  Annualized
 
  #  Non-annualized
 
 **  Represents the combined ratios for the respective portfolio and its
     respective pro-rata share of its Master Fund Series.
 
                                       17
<PAGE>
                      DFA INVESTMENT DIMENSIONS GROUP INC.
 
                              FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
 
                 FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        THE U.S. LARGE COMPANY PORTFOLIO
                                           -----------------------------------------------------------
                                            SIX MONTHS         YEAR            YEAR           YEAR
                                              ENDED           ENDED           ENDED           ENDED
                                             MAY 31,         NOV. 30,        NOV. 30,       NOV. 30,
                                               1998            1997            1996           1995
                                           ------------    ------------    ------------    -----------
                                           (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                        <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>
 
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period....   $  28.48        $      22.73    $      18.12    $ 13.58
                                           ------------    ------------    ------------    -----------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
Net Investment Income...................       0.22                0.42            0.41       0.35
Net Gain (Losses) on Securities
  (Realized and Unrealized).............       4.02                5.89            4.52       4.57
                                           ------------    ------------    ------------    -----------
Total From Investment Operations........       4.24                6.31            4.93       4.92
                                           ------------    ------------    ------------    -----------
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS
Net Investment Income...................      (0.22)              (0.43)          (0.31)     (0.36)
Net Realized Gain.......................      (0.07)              (0.13)          (0.01)     (0.02)
                                           ------------    ------------    ------------    -----------
Total Distributions.....................      (0.29)              (0.56)          (0.32)     (0.38)
                                           ------------    ------------    ------------    -----------
Net Asset Value, End of Period..........   $  32.43        $      28.48    $      22.73    $ 18.12
                                           ------------    ------------    ------------    -----------
                                           ------------    ------------    ------------    -----------
Total Return............................      15.00%#             28.26%          27.49%     36.54%
                                           ------------    ------------    ------------    -----------
Net Assets, End of Period (thousands)...   $463,294        $    343,537    $    187,757    $97,111
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net
  Assets**..............................       0.15%*(a)           0.15%(a)         0.21%(a)    0.24%(a)
Ratio of Net Investment Income to
  Average Net Assets....................       1.44%*(a)           1.66%(a)         2.10%(a)    2.29%(a)
Portfolio Turnover Rate.................        N/A                 N/A             N/A        N/A
Average Commission Rate.................        N/A                 N/A             N/A        N/A
Portfolio Turnover Rate of Master Fund
  Series................................      12.57%*              4.28%          14.09%      2.38%
Average Commission Rate of Master Fund
  Series................................   $ 0.0108        $     0.0202    $     0.0212        N/A
 
<CAPTION>
 
                                              YEAR           YEAR           YEAR         DEC. 31,
                                              ENDED          ENDED          ENDED         1990 TO
                                            NOV. 30,       NOV. 30,       NOV. 30,       NOV. 30,
                                              1994           1993           1992           1991
                                           -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------
 
<S>                                        <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period....   $ 13.91        $ 13.12        $ 11.44        $ 10.00
                                           -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
Net Investment Income...................      0.37           0.36           0.36           0.34
Net Gain (Losses) on Securities
  (Realized and Unrealized).............     (0.22)          0.87           1.69           1.34
                                           -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------
Total From Investment Operations........      0.15           1.23           2.05           1.68
                                           -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS
Net Investment Income...................     (0.37)         (0.44)         (0.37)         (0.24)
Net Realized Gain.......................     (0.11)         --             --             --
                                           -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------
Total Distributions.....................     (0.48)         (0.44)         (0.37)         (0.24)
                                           -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------
Net Asset Value, End of Period..........   $ 13.58        $ 13.91        $ 13.12        $ 11.44
                                           -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------
                                           -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------
Total Return............................      1.04%          9.48%         18.23%         16.80%#
                                           -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------
Net Assets, End of Period (thousands)...   $48,638        $37,830        $34,908        $22,279
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net
  Assets**..............................      0.24%(a)       0.24%(a)       0.11%(a)       0.00%*(a)
Ratio of Net Investment Income to
  Average Net Assets....................      2.75%(a)       2.48%(a)       2.86%(a)       3.42%*(a)
Portfolio Turnover Rate.................       N/A          27.67%*(b)      3.56%          0.97%*
Average Commission Rate.................       N/A            N/A            N/A            N/A
Portfolio Turnover Rate of Master Fund
  Series................................      8.52%         34.36%*(c)       N/A            N/A
Average Commission Rate of Master Fund
  Series................................       N/A            N/A            N/A            N/A
</TABLE>
 
- ----------------------------------
 
  *  Annualized
 
  #  Non-annualized
 
 **  Represents the combined ratios for the respective portfolio and its
     respective pro-rata share of its Master Fund Series for the year ended
     November 30, 1993 and subsequent periods.
 
(a)  Had certain waivers and assumptions of expenses not been in effect the
     ratios of expenses to average net assets for the periods ended May 31, 1998
     and November 30, 1997 through 1991 would have been 0.33%, 0.35%, 0.45%,
     0.46%, 0.66%, 0.79%, 0.53% and 0.52%, respectively, and the ratios of net
     investment income to average net assets for the periods ended May 31, 1998
     and November 30, 1997 through 1991 would have been 1.26%, 1.46%, 1.85 %,
     2.23%, 2.64%, 2.28%, 2.44% and 2.90%, respectively.
 
(b)  Portfolio turnover calculated for the period December 1, 1992 to February
     7, 1993 (through the date on which the portfolio transferred its investable
     assets to its corresponding Master Fund Series in a tax-free exchange).
 
(c)  Master Fund Series turnover calculated for the period February 8 to
     November 30, 1993.
 
                                       18
<PAGE>
                      DFA INVESTMENT DIMENSIONS GROUP INC.
 
                              FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
 
                 FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                THE DFA REAL ESTATE SECURITIES PORTFOLIO
                                               ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                SIX MONTHS      YEAR         YEAR         YEAR         YEAR        JAN. 5
                                                  ENDED        ENDED        ENDED        ENDED        ENDED          TO
                                                 MAY 31,      NOV. 30,     NOV. 30,     NOV. 30,     NOV. 30,     NOV. 30,
                                                   1998         1997         1996         1995         1994         1993
                                               ------------   --------     --------     --------     --------     --------
                                               (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                            <C>            <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period.........    $  15.53     $ 12.65      $ 10.00      $  9.28      $ 10.92      $ 10.00
                                               ------------   --------     --------     --------     --------     --------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
Net Investment Income........................        0.36        0.88         0.71         0.61         0.37         0.20
Net Gain (Losses) on Securities (Realized and
  Unrealized)................................       (0.64)       2.68         2.08         0.68        (1.65)        0.91
                                               ------------   --------     --------     --------     --------     --------
Total From Investment Operations.............       (0.28)       3.56         2.79         1.29        (1.28)        1.11
                                               ------------   --------     --------     --------     --------     --------
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS
Net Investment Income........................       (0.75)      (0.68)       (0.14)       (0.46)       (0.28)       (0.19)
Net Realized Gain............................      --           --           --           --           --           --
Tax Return of Capital........................      --           --           --           (0.11)       (0.08)       --
                                               ------------   --------     --------     --------     --------     --------
Total Distributions..........................       (0.75)      (0.68)       (0.14)       (0.57)       (0.36)       (0.19)
                                               ------------   --------     --------     --------     --------     --------
Net Asset Value, End of Period...............    $  14.50     $ 15.53      $ 12.65      $ 10.00      $  9.28      $ 10.92
                                               ------------   --------     --------     --------     --------     --------
                                               ------------   --------     --------     --------     --------     --------
Total Return.................................       (1.85)%#    29.13%       28.24%       14.00%      (11.76)%      11.08%#
                                               ------------   --------     --------     --------     --------     --------
Net Assets, End of Period (thousands)........    $109,319     $95,072      $64,390      $43,435      $30,456      $22,106
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets......        0.47%*      0.48%        0.71%        0.82%        0.90%        0.88%*
Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net
  Assets.....................................        0.56%*      5.73%        7.08%        6.76%        3.90%        2.63%*
Portfolio Turnover Rate......................        0.49%*     30.73%       11.25%        0.66%       28.87%        0.55%*
Average Commission Rate......................    $ 0.0461     $0.0449      $0.0455          N/A          N/A          N/A
</TABLE>
 
- ----------------------------------
 
*    Annualized
 
#    Non-annualized.
 
                                       19
<PAGE>
                      DFA INVESTMENT DIMENSIONS GROUP INC.
 
                              FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
 
                 FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         THE JAPANESE SMALL COMPANY PORTFOLIO
                                --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                SIX MONTHS          YEAR           YEAR           YEAR           YEAR           YEAR
                                   ENDED           ENDED          ENDED          ENDED          ENDED          ENDED
                                  MAY 31,         NOV. 30,       NOV. 30,       NOV. 30,       NOV. 30,       NOV. 30,
                                   1998             1997           1996           1995           1994           1993
                                -----------       --------       --------       --------       --------       --------
                                (UNAUDITED)
<S>                             <C>               <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
 
Net Asset Value, Beginning of
  Period......................   $   9.45         $  21.03       $  22.78       $  25.06       $  19.96       $  18.92
                                -----------       --------       --------       --------       --------       --------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT
  OPERATIONS
Net Investment Income
  (Loss)......................     --                 0.09           0.07           0.06           0.05           0.04
Net Gain (Losses) on
  Securities (Realized and
  Unrealized).................      (0.60)          (10.45)         (1.45)         (1.65)          5.76           1.75
                                -----------       --------       --------       --------       --------       --------
Total From Investment
  Operations..................      (0.60)          (10.36)         (1.38)         (1.59)          5.81           1.79
                                -----------       --------       --------       --------       --------       --------
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS
Net Investment Income.........      (0.11)           (0.06)         (0.01)         (0.06)         (0.04)         (0.05)
Net Realized Gains............     --                (1.16)         (0.36)         (0.63)         (0.67)         (0.70)
                                -----------       --------       --------       --------       --------       --------
Total Distributions...........      (0.11)           (1.22)         (0.37)         (0.69)         (0.71)         (0.75)
                                -----------       --------       --------       --------       --------       --------
Net Asset Value, End of
  Period......................   $   8.74         $   9.45       $  21.03       $  22.78       $  25.06       $  19.96
                                -----------       --------       --------       --------       --------       --------
                                -----------       --------       --------       --------       --------       --------
Total Return..................      (6.23)%#        (51.90)%        (6.28)%        (6.54)%        29.59%          9.52%
                                -----------       --------       --------       --------       --------       --------
Net Assets, End of Period
  (thousands).................   $111,266         $114,017       $294,120       $371,113       $330,674       $209,244
Ratio of Expenses to Average
  Net Assets**................       0.75%*           0.73%          0.72%          0.74%          0.76%          0.82%
Ratio of Net Investment Income
  to Average Net Assets.......       1.28%*           0.50%          0.24%          0.25%          0.10%          0.06%
Portfolio Turnover Rate.......        N/A              N/A          18.52%*(a)      7.79%         10.51%          9.36%
Average Commission Rate.......        N/A              N/A       $ 0.0458(a)         N/A            N/A            N/A
Portfolio Turnover Rate of
  Master Fund Series..........      12.16%*          13.17%          1.67%*(b)       N/A            N/A            N/A
Average Commission Rate of
  Master Fund Series..........   $ 0.0203         $ 0.0282       $ 0.0427(b)         N/A            N/A            N/A
 
<CAPTION>
 
                                  YEAR           YEAR           YEAR           YEAR           YEAR
                                 ENDED          ENDED          ENDED          ENDED          ENDED
                                NOV. 30,       NOV. 30,       NOV. 30,       NOV. 30,       NOV. 30,
                                  1992           1991           1990           1989           1988
                                --------       --------       --------       --------       --------
 
<S>                             <C> <C>        <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning of
  Period......................  $  25.05       $  26.27       $  38.33       $  31.03       $  24.87
                                --------       --------       --------       --------       --------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT
  OPERATIONS
Net Investment Income
  (Loss)......................      0.04          (0.01)         (0.03)         (0.09)         (0.05)
Net Gain (Losses) on
  Securities (Realized and
  Unrealized).................     (5.69)          0.51         (10.74)          9.09          10.42
                                --------       --------       --------       --------       --------
Total From Investment
  Operations..................     (5.65)          0.50         (10.77)          9.00          10.37
                                --------       --------       --------       --------       --------
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS
Net Investment Income.........     --             --             --             --             --
Net Realized Gains............     (0.48)         (1.72)         (1.29)         (1.70)         (4.21)
                                --------       --------       --------       --------       --------
Total Distributions...........     (0.48)         (1.72)         (1.29)         (1.70)         (4.21)
                                --------       --------       --------       --------       --------
Net Asset Value, End of
  Period......................  $  18.92       $  25.05       $  26.27       $  38.33       $  31.03
                                --------       --------       --------       --------       --------
                                --------       --------       --------       --------       --------
Total Return..................    (23.01)%         1.68%        (29.12)%        30.63%         47.62%
                                --------       --------       --------       --------       --------
Net Assets, End of Period
  (thousands).................  $139,892       $159,475       $149,100       $168,820       $107,863
Ratio of Expenses to Average
  Net Assets**................      0.78%          0.78%          0.83%          0.76%          0.76%
Ratio of Net Investment Income
  to Average Net Assets.......      0.10%         (0.11)%        (0.22)%        (0.34)%        (0.23)%
Portfolio Turnover Rate.......      5.00%          2.71%         10.26%          5.76%          9.14%
Average Commission Rate.......       N/A            N/A            N/A            N/A            N/A
Portfolio Turnover Rate of
  Master Fund Series..........       N/A            N/A            N/A            N/A            N/A
Average Commission Rate of
  Master Fund Series..........       N/A            N/A            N/A            N/A            N/A
</TABLE>
 
- ----------------------------------
 
  *  Annualized
 
  #  Non-annualized
 
 **  Represents the combined ratios for the portfolio and its pro-rata share of
     its Master Fund Series for the period ended November 30, 1996 and
     subsequent periods.
 
(a)  Portfolio turnover and average commission calculated for the period
     December 1, 1995 to August 9, 1996 (through the date on which the portfolio
     transferred its investable assets to its corresponding Master Fund Series
     in a tax-free exchange).
 
(b)  Items calculated for the period August 9 to November 30, 1996.
 
                                       20
<PAGE>
                      DFA INVESTMENT DIMENSIONS GROUP INC.
 
                              FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
 
                 FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   THE PACIFIC RIM SMALL COMPANY PORTFOLIO
                                              ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                YEAR          YEAR           YEAR          YEAR
                                              SIX MONTHS        ENDED         ENDED          ENDED         ENDED       JAN. 5 TO
                                               ENDED MAY      NOV. 30,      NOV. 30,       NOV. 30,      NOV. 30,      NOV. 30,
                                               31, 1998         1997          1996           1995          1994          1993
                                              -----------     ---------     ---------      ---------     ---------     ---------
                                              (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                           <C>             <C>           <C>            <C>           <C>           <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period........    $  9.52       $   16.63     $   14.38      $   15.98     $   16.45     $   10.00
                                              -----------     ---------     ---------      ---------     ---------     ---------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
Net Investment Income.......................       0.12            0.32          0.27           0.34          0.23          0.11
Net Gain (Losses) on Securities
  (Realized and Unrealized).................      (1.99)          (6.22)         2.40          (1.33)         0.47          6.46
                                              -----------     ---------     ---------      ---------     ---------     ---------
Total From Investment Operations............      (1.87)          (5.90)         2.67          (0.99)         0.70          6.57
                                              -----------     ---------     ---------      ---------     ---------     ---------
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS
Net Investment Income.......................      (0.32)          (0.33)        (0.02)         (0.34)        (0.23)        (0.09)
Net Realized Gains..........................      (0.50)          (0.88)        (0.40)         (0.27)        (0.94)        (0.03)
                                              -----------     ---------     ---------      ---------     ---------     ---------
Total Distributions.........................      (0.82)          (1.21)        (0.42)         (0.61)        (1.17)        (0.12)
                                              -----------     ---------     ---------      ---------     ---------     ---------
Net Asset Value, End of Period..............    $  6.83       $    9.52     $   16.63      $   14.38     $   15.98     $   16.45
                                              -----------     ---------     ---------      ---------     ---------     ---------
                                              -----------     ---------     ---------      ---------     ---------     ---------
Total Return................................     (20.73)%#       (38.07)%       19.06%         (6.27)%        4.26%        65.71%#
                                              -----------     ---------     ---------      ---------     ---------     ---------
Net Assets, End of Period (thousands).......    $89,077       $ 111,320     $ 215,542      $ 193,137     $ 212,953     $ 164,623
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets**...       0.89%*          0.84%         0.84%          0.83%         0.95%         1.16%*
Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average
  Net Assets................................       2.51%*          1.95%         1.70%          2.22%         1.47%         1.27%*
Portfolio Turnover Rate.....................        N/A             N/A          7.05%*(a)      5.95%        26.05%         2.77%*
Average Commission Rate.....................        N/A             N/A     $  0.0094(a)         N/A           N/A           N/A
Portfolio Turnover Rate of Master Fund
  Series....................................      42.44%*         24.00%         8.04%(b)        N/A           N/A           N/A
Average Commission Rate of Master Fund
  Series....................................    $0.0010       $  0.0042     $  0.0102(b)         N/A           N/A           N/A
</TABLE>
 
- ----------------------------------
 
 *  Annualized
 
 #  Non-annualized
 
**  Represents the combined ratios for the portfolio and its pro-rata share of
    its Master Fund Series for the period ended November 30, 1996 and subsequent
    periods.
 
(a) Portfolio turnover and average commission calculated for the period December
    1, 1995 to August 9, 1996, (through the date on which the portfolio
    transferred its investable assets to its corresponding Master Fund Series in
    a tax-free exchange).
 
(b) Items calculated for the period August 9 to November 30, 1996.
 
                                       21
<PAGE>
                      DFA INVESTMENT DIMENSIONS GROUP INC.
 
                              FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
 
                 FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         THE UNITED KINGDOM SMALL COMPANY PORTFOLIO
                                   --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   SIX MONTHS         YEAR           YEAR           YEAR           YEAR           YEAR
                                    ENDED MAY         ENDED          ENDED          ENDED          ENDED          ENDED
                                       31,          NOV. 30,       NOV. 30,       NOV. 30,       NOV. 30,       NOV. 30,
                                      1998            1997           1996           1995           1994           1993
                                   -----------      ---------      ---------      ---------      ---------      ---------
                                   (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                <C>              <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning of
  Period......................      $  28.69        $   28.47      $   24.09      $   23.20      $   21.22      $   16.38
                                   -----------      ---------      ---------      ---------      ---------      ---------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT
  OPERATIONS
Net Investment Income.........          0.43             0.81           0.72           0.84           0.48           0.45
Net Gain (Losses) on
  Securities
  (Realized and Unrealized)...          3.65             1.46           5.31           1.12           2.03           5.34
                                   -----------      ---------      ---------      ---------      ---------      ---------
Total From Investment
  Operations..................          4.08             2.27           6.03           1.96           2.51           5.79
                                   -----------      ---------      ---------      ---------      ---------      ---------
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS
Net Investment Income.........         (0.84)           (0.73)         (0.06)         (0.76)         (0.53)         (0.95)
Net Realized Gains............         (2.82)           (1.32)         (1.59)         (0.31)        --             --
                                   -----------      ---------      ---------      ---------      ---------      ---------
Total Distributions...........         (3.66)           (2.05)         (1.65)         (1.07)         (0.53)         (0.95)
                                   -----------      ---------      ---------      ---------      ---------      ---------
Net Asset Value, End of
  Period......................      $  29.11        $   28.69      $   28.47      $   24.09      $   23.20      $   21.22
                                   -----------      ---------      ---------      ---------      ---------      ---------
Total Return..................         16.33%#           8.45%         26.76%          8.39%         11.85%         36.42%
                                   -----------      ---------      ---------      ---------      ---------      ---------
Net Assets, End of Period
  (thousands).................      $116,333        $ 130,891      $ 166,789      $ 167,730      $ 214,113      $ 181,789
Ratio of Expenses to Average
  Net Assets**................          0.71%*           0.70%          0.73%          0.72%          0.74%          0.78%
Ratio of Net Investment Income
  to Average Net Assets.......          2.76%*           2.40%          2.49%          2.51%          1.95%          2.22%
Portfolio Turnover Rate.......           N/A              N/A           3.72%*(a)      7.82%         10.75%          8.21%
Average Commission Rate.......           N/A              N/A      $  0.0103(a)         N/A            N/A            N/A
Portfolio Turnover Rate of
  Master Fund Series..........          5.26%*           4.26%          4.55%*(b)       N/A            N/A            N/A
Average Commission Rate of
  Master Fund Series..........      $ 0.0077        $  0.0073      $  0.0050(b)         N/A            N/A            N/A
 
<CAPTION>
                                                THE UNITED KINGDOM SMALL COMPANY PORTFOLIO
                                   ---------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     YEAR           YEAR           YEAR           YEAR           YEAR
                                     ENDED          ENDED          ENDED          ENDED          ENDED
                                   NOV. 30,       NOV. 30,       NOV. 30,       NOV. 30,       NOV. 30,
                                     1992           1991           1990           1989           1988
                                   ---------      ---------      ---------      ---------      ---------
 
<S>                                <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning of
  Period......................     $   21.37      $   20.41      $   22.55      $   28.29      $   23.41
                                   ---------      ---------      ---------      ---------      ---------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT
  OPERATIONS
Net Investment Income.........          0.64           0.69           0.92           0.52           0.61
Net Gain (Losses) on
  Securities
  (Realized and Unrealized)...         (4.98)          1.71          (1.34)         (4.75)          5.18
                                   ---------      ---------      ---------      ---------      ---------
Total From Investment
  Operations..................         (4.34)          2.40          (0.42)         (4.23)          5.79
                                   ---------      ---------      ---------      ---------      ---------
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS
Net Investment Income.........         (0.65)         (0.90)         (0.75)         (0.54)         (0.28)
Net Realized Gains............        --              (0.54)         (0.97)         (0.97)         (0.63)
                                   ---------      ---------      ---------      ---------      ---------
Total Distributions...........         (0.65)         (1.44)         (1.72)         (1.51)         (0.91)
                                   ---------      ---------      ---------      ---------      ---------
Net Asset Value, End of
  Period......................     $   16.38      $   21.37      $   20.41      $   22.55      $   28.29
                                   ---------      ---------      ---------      ---------      ---------
Total Return..................        (20.93)%        12.55%         (2.22)%       (15.40)%        23.66%
                                   ---------      ---------      ---------      ---------      ---------
Net Assets, End of Period
  (thousands).................     $ 121,086      $ 146,873      $ 127,137      $ 119,385      $ 121,337
Ratio of Expenses to Average
  Net Assets**................          0.76%          0.84%          0.83%          0.70%          0.71%
Ratio of Net Investment Income
  to Average Net Assets.......          3.19%          3.44%          4.34%          2.24%          2.58%
Portfolio Turnover Rate.......          4.41%          4.50%         10.86%         11.38%         12.55%
Average Commission Rate.......           N/A            N/A            N/A            N/A            N/A
Portfolio Turnover Rate of
  Master Fund Series..........           N/A            N/A            N/A            N/A            N/A
Average Commission Rate of
  Master Fund Series..........           N/A            N/A            N/A            N/A            N/A
</TABLE>
 
- ----------------------------------
 
  *  Annualized
 
  #  Non-annualized
 
 **  Represents the combined ratios for the portfolio and its pro-rata share of
     its Master Fund Series for the period ended November 30, 1996 and
     subsequent periods.
 
(a)  Portfolio turnover and average commission calculated for the period
     December 1, 1995 to August 9, 1996, (through the date on which the
     portfolio transferred its investable assets to its corresponding Master
     Fund Series in a tax-free exchange).
 
(b)  Items calculated for the period August 9 to November 30, 1996.
 
                                       22
<PAGE>
                      DFA INVESTMENT DIMENSIONS GROUP INC.
 
                              FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
 
                 FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                                THE EMERGING MARKETS PORTFOLIO
                                --------------------------------------------------------------
                                SIX MONTHS      YEAR         YEAR         YEAR       APRIL 25
                                  ENDED        ENDED        ENDED        ENDED          TO
                                 MAY 31,      NOV. 30,     NOV. 30,     NOV. 30,     NOV. 30,
                                   1998         1997         1996         1995         1994
                                ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------
                                (UNAUDITED)
<S>                             <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning of
  Period......................  $   9.61     $    11.71   $    10.35   $  11.30     $  10.00
                                ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT
  OPERATIONS
Net Investment Income.........      0.11           0.12         0.09       0.06        (0.02)
Net Gain (Losses) on
  Securities (Realized and
  Unrealized).................     (0.47)         (2.13)        1.27      (0.96)        1.32
                                ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------
Total From Investment
  Operations..................     (0.36)         (2.01)        1.36      (0.90)        1.30
                                ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS
Net Investment Income.........     (0.26)         (0.09)      --          (0.05)       --
Net Realized Gains............     --            --           --          --           --
                                ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------
Total Distributions...........     (0.26)         (0.09)      --          (0.05)       --
                                ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------
Net Asset Value, End of
  Period......................  $   8.99     $     9.61   $    11.71   $  10.35     $  11.30
                                ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------
                                ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------
Total Return..................     (3.68)%#      (17.27)%      13.18%     (7.96)%      13.00%#
                                ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------
Net Assets, End of Period
  (thousands).................  $225,233     $  212,048   $  162,025   $ 49,337     $ 15,731
Ratio of Expenses to Average
  Net Assets**................      0.99%*         0.99%        1.15%      1.58%        2.43%*
Ratio of Net Investment Income
  to Average Net Assets.......      1.81%*         1.19%        1.14%      0.98%       (0.44)%*
Portfolio Turnover Rate.......       N/A            N/A          N/A        N/A          N/A
Average Commission Rate.......       N/A            N/A          N/A        N/A          N/A
Portfolio Turnover Rate of
  Master Fund Series..........     14.13%*         0.54%        0.37%      8.17%        1.28%*
Average Commission Rate of
  Master Fund Series..........  $ 0.0013     $   0.0010   $   0.0010        N/A          N/A
 
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                       THE
                                                                                                                     EMERGING
                                                                                                                     MARKETS
                                                                                                                    SMALL CAP
                                           THE RWB/DFA INTERNATIONAL HIGH BOOK TO MARKET PORTFOLIO                  PORTFOLIO
                                ------------------------------------------------------------------------------      ----------
                                SIX MONTHS      YEAR         YEAR         YEAR         YEAR            YEAR          MARCH 5,
                                  ENDED        ENDED        ENDED        ENDED        ENDED           ENDED             TO
                                 MAY 31,      NOV. 30,     NOV. 30,     NOV. 30,     NOV. 30,        NOV. 30,        MAY 31,
                                   1998         1997         1996         1995         1994            1993            1998
                                ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------      ----------      ----------
                                (UNAUDITED)                                                                         (UNAUDITED)
<S>                             <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>             <C>             <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning of
  Period......................  $  12.84     $    13.76   $    12.02   $    11.44   $     9.92      $  10.00        $  10.00
                                ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------      ----------      ----------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT
  OPERATIONS
Net Investment Income.........      0.07           0.22         0.22         0.19         0.14          0.06           (0.01)
Net Gain (Losses) on
  Securities (Realized and
  Unrealized).................      2.25          (0.77)        1.53         0.60         1.52         (0.11)           0.07
                                ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------      ----------      ----------
Total From Investment
  Operations..................      2.32          (0.55)        1.75         0.79         1.66         (0.05)           0.06
                                ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------      ----------      ----------
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS
Net Investment Income.........     (0.27)         (0.23)       (0.01)       (0.19)       (0.14)        (0.03)          --
Net Realized Gains............     (0.22)         (0.14)      --            (0.02)      --             --              --
                                ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------      ----------      ----------
Total Distributions...........     (0.49)         (0.37)       (0.01)       (0.21)       (0.14)        (0.03)          --
                                ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------      ----------      ----------
Net Asset Value, End of
  Period......................  $  14.67     $    12.84   $    13.76   $    12.02   $    11.44      $   9.92        $  10.06
                                ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------      ----------      ----------
                                ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------      ----------      ----------
Total Return..................     18.85%#        (4.04)%      14.61%        6.95%       16.71%        (0.50)%#         0.60%#
                                ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------      ----------      ----------
Net Assets, End of Period
  (thousands).................  $318,779     $  275,057   $  257,371   $  172,017   $  112,952      $ 63,235        $  1,764
Ratio of Expenses to Average
  Net Assets**................      0.47%*         0.50%        0.54%        0.68%        0.69%(a)      0.65%*(a)      11.31%*(b)
Ratio of Net Investment Income
  to Average Net Assets.......      0.90%*         1.72%        1.88%        1.85%        1.39%(a)      1.40%*(a)      (0.85)%*(b)
Portfolio Turnover Rate.......       N/A            N/A          N/A          N/A         0.15%*(b)     0.41%*           N/A
Average Commission Rate.......       N/A            N/A          N/A          N/A          N/A           N/A             N/A
Portfolio Turnover Rate of
  Master Fund Series..........     18.78%*        22.55%       12.23%        9.75%        1.90%*(c)      N/A           12.51%*
Average Commission Rate of
  Master Fund Series..........  $ 0.0167     $   0.0068   $   0.0112          N/A          N/A           N/A        $ 0.0010
</TABLE>
 
- ----------------------------------
  * Annualized
 
 # Non-annualized
 
 ** Represents the combined ratios for The Emerging Markets Portfolio and The
    Emerging Markets Small Cap Portfolio and their respective pro-rata share of
    their Master Fund Series for the period ended November 30, 1996 and
    subsequent periods.
 
 (a) Had certain waivers and assumptions of expenses not been in effect, the
     ratios of expenses to average net assets for the periods ended November 30,
     1994 and 1993 would have been 0.73% and 0.82%, respectively, and the ratio
     of net investment income to average net assets for their periods ended
     November 30, 1994 and 1993 would have been 1.38% and 1.23%, respectively.
 
 (b) Because of commencement of operations and related preliminary transaction
     costs, these ratios are not necessarily indicative of future ratios.
 
                                       23
<PAGE>
                      DFA INVESTMENT DIMENSIONS GROUP INC.
 
                              FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
 
                 FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 THE CONTINENTAL SMALL COMPANY PORTFOLIO
                                      -------------------------------------------------------------
                                       SIX MONTHS       YEAR         YEAR        YEAR        YEAR
                                         ENDED          ENDED        ENDED       ENDED      ENDED
                                        MAY 31,       NOV. 30,     NOV. 30,    NOV. 30,    NOV. 30,
                                          1998          1997         1996        1995        1994
                                      ------------   -----------   ---------   ---------   --------
                                      (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                   <C>            <C>           <C>         <C>         <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning of
  Period............................   $    15.94    $     15.26   $   14.13   $   14.63   $  12.62
                                      ------------   -----------   ---------   ---------   --------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
Net Investment Income...............         0.13           0.29        0.30        0.29       0.18
Net Gain (Losses) on Securities
  (Realized and Unrealized).........         4.89           1.55        1.58       (0.48)      2.10
                                      ------------   -----------   ---------   ---------   --------
Total From Investment Operations....         5.02           1.84        1.88       (0.19)      2.28
                                      ------------   -----------   ---------   ---------   --------
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS
Net Investment Income...............        (0.25)         (0.29)      (0.02)      (0.29)     (0.19)
Net Realized Gains..................        (1.10)         (0.87)      (0.73)      (0.02)     (0.07)
Tax Return of Capital...............      --             --           --          --          (0.01)
                                      ------------   -----------   ---------   ---------   --------
Total Distributions.................        (1.35)         (1.16)      (0.75)      (0.31)     (0.27)
                                      ------------   -----------   ---------   ---------   --------
Net Asset Value, End of Period......   $    19.61    $     15.94   $   15.26   $   14.13   $  14.63
                                      ------------   -----------   ---------   ---------   --------
                                      ------------   -----------   ---------   ---------   --------
Total Return........................        34.43%#        13.02%      13.96%      (1.33)%    18.19%
                                      ------------   -----------   ---------   ---------   --------
Net Assets, End of Period
  (thousands).......................   $  252,091    $   232,744   $ 299,325   $ 314,116   $340,992
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net
  Assets**..........................         0.72%*         0.72%       0.73%       0.74%      0.77%
Ratio of Net Investment Income to
  Average Net Assets................         1.32%*         1.41%       1.81%       1.69%      1.21%
Portfolio Turnover Rate.............          N/A            N/A        3.67%*(a)      9.79%    10.22%
Average Commission Rate.............          N/A            N/A   $  0.1030(a)       N/A       N/A
Portfolio Turnover Rate of Master
  Fund Series.......................         0.28%*         3.46%       6.69%*(b)       N/A      N/A
Average Commission Rate of Master
  Fund Series.......................   $   0.0382    $    0.0586   $  0.0392(b)       N/A       N/A
 
<CAPTION>
 
                                                  THE CONTINENTAL SMALL COMPANY PORTFOLIO
 
                                      ---------------------------------------------------------------
                                        YEAR       YEAR       YEAR       YEAR       YEAR     APRIL 15
                                       ENDED      ENDED      ENDED      ENDED      ENDED        TO
                                      NOV. 30,   NOV. 30,   NOV. 30,   NOV. 30,   NOV. 30,   NOV. 30,
                                        1993       1992       1991       1990       1989       1988
                                      --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
 
<S>                                   <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning of
  Period............................  $  11.39   $  14.18   $  16.24   $  16.15   $  12.02   $ 10.00
                                      --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
Net Investment Income...............      0.23       0.28       0.27       0.25       0.12      0.17
Net Gain (Losses) on Securities
  (Realized and Unrealized).........      1.46      (2.11)     (1.66)      0.31       4.10      1.85
                                      --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
Total From Investment Operations....      1.69      (1.83)     (1.39)      0.56       4.22      2.02
                                      --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS
Net Investment Income...............     (0.44)     (0.26)     (0.29)     (0.20)     (0.09)    --
Net Realized Gains..................     (0.02)     (0.70)     (0.38)     (0.27)     --        --
Tax Return of Capital...............     --         --         --         --         --        --
                                      --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
Total Distributions.................     (0.46)     (0.96)     (0.67)     (0.47)     (0.09)    --
                                      --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
Net Asset Value, End of Period......  $  12.62   $  11.39   $  14.18   $  16.24   $  16.15   $ 12.02
                                      --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
                                      --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
Total Return........................     15.27%    (13.85)%    (9.11)%     3.50%     35.62%    20.01%#
                                      --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
Net Assets, End of Period
  (thousands).......................  $266,175   $196,845   $214,054   $245,465   $199,065   $78,689
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net
  Assets**..........................      0.83%      0.90%      0.86%      0.89%      0.82%     1.05%*
Ratio of Net Investment Income to
  Average Net Assets................      1.61%      2.11%      1.68%      1.63%      1.41%     3.27%*
Portfolio Turnover Rate.............      8.99%      6.35%      7.69%      6.24%      5.70%     0.26%*
Average Commission Rate.............       N/A        N/A        N/A        N/A        N/A       N/A
Portfolio Turnover Rate of Master
  Fund Series.......................       N/A        N/A        N/A        N/A        N/A       N/A
Average Commission Rate of Master
  Fund Series.......................       N/A        N/A        N/A        N/A        N/A       N/A
</TABLE>
 
- ----------------------------------
 
  * Annualized
 
 # Non-annualized
 
 ** Represents the combined ratio for the portfolio and its respective pro-rata
    share of its Master Fund Series for the period ended November 30, 1996 and
    subsequent periods.
 
 (a) Portfolio turnover and average commission calculated for the period
     December 1, 1995 to August 9, 1996 (through the date on which the portfolio
     transferred its investable assets to its corresponding Master Fund Series
     in a tax-free exchange).
 
 (b) Items calculated for the period August 9 to November 30, 1996.
 
                                       24
<PAGE>
                      DFA INVESTMENT DIMENSIONS GROUP INC.
 
                              FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
 
                 FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             THE LARGE CAP INTERNATIONAL PORTFOLIO
                                -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                SIX MONTHS     YEAR        YEAR        YEAR        YEAR        YEAR        YEAR         YEAR
                                  ENDED        ENDED       ENDED       ENDED       ENDED       ENDED       ENDED       ENDED
                                 MAY 31,     NOV. 30,    NOV. 30,    NOV. 30,    NOV. 30,    NOV. 30,    NOV. 30,     NOV. 30,
                                   1998        1997        1996        1995        1994        1993        1992         1991
                                ----------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ----------
                                (UNAUDITED)
<S>                             <C>          <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
 
Net Asset Value, Beginning of
  Period......................  $  14.27     $ 14.18     $ 12.60     $ 11.91     $ 11.26     $  9.63     $ 10.64     $  10.00
                                ----------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ----------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT
  OPERATIONS
Net Investment Income.........      0.15        0.23        0.21        0.15        0.09        0.15        0.11         0.06
Net Gain (Losses) on
  Securities (Realized and
  Unrealized).................      1.96        0.15        1.39        0.95        1.11        1.72       (1.04)        0.58
                                ----------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ----------
Total From Investment
  Operations..................      2.11        0.38        1.60        1.10        1.20        1.87       (0.93)        0.64
                                ----------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ----------
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS
Net Investment Income.........     (0.25)      (0.21)      (0.02)      (0.18)      (0.09)      (0.24)      (0.07)       --
Net Realized Gain.............     --          (0.08)      --          (0.23)      (0.46)      --          (0.01)       --
                                ----------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ----------
Total Distributions...........     (0.25)      (0.29)      (0.02)      (0.41)      (0.55)      (0.24)      (0.08)       --
                                ----------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ----------
Net Asset Value, End of
  Period......................  $  16.13     $ 14.27     $ 14.18     $ 12.60     $ 11.91     $ 11.26     $  9.63     $  10.64
                                ----------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ----------
                                ----------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ----------
Total Return..................     15.06%#      2.80%      12.68%       9.37%      10.74%      19.55%      (9.00)%       2.88%#
                                ----------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ----------
Net Assets, End of Period
  (thousands).................  $103,644     $87,223     $79,322     $67,940     $55,635     $78,472     $26,041     $  4,360
Ratio of Expenses to Average
  Net Assets..................      0.46%*      0.47%       0.58%       0.57%       0.66%       0.55%(a)    0.50%(a)     0.50%*(a)
Ratio of Net Investment Income
  to Average Net Assets.......      2.03%*      1.69%       1.57%       1.84%       1.18%       1.94%(a)    1.75%(a)     1.96%*(a)
Portfolio Turnover Rate.......      0.67%*      2.31%      17.65%      24.44%      33.15%       0.28%       0.20%        2.38%*
Average Commission Rate.......  $ 0.0354     $0.0169     $0.0160         N/A         N/A         N/A         N/A          N/A
</TABLE>
 
- ----------------------------------
 
  *  Annualized
 
  #  Non-annualized.
 
(a)  Had certain waivers and assumptions of expenses not been in effect, the
     ratios of expenses to average net assets for the periods ended November 30,
     1993, 1992 and 1991 would have been 0.66%, 1.35% and 2.31%, respectively,
     and the ratios of net investment income to average net assets for the
     periods ended November 30, 1993, 1992 and 1991 would have been 1.83%, 0.90%
     and 0.15%, respectively.
 
                                       25
<PAGE>
                      DFA INVESTMENT DIMENSIONS GROUP INC.
 
                              FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
 
                 FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           THE DFA INTERNATIONAL                             THE INTERNATIONAL SMALL
                                         SMALL CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO                              COMPANY PORTFOLIO
                           -----------------------------------------------------     ---------------------------------------
                           SIX MONTHS        YEAR          YEAR        DEC. 30,      SIX MONTHS        YEAR         OCT. 1
                              ENDED          ENDED         ENDED        1994 TO         ENDED          ENDED          TO
                             MAY 31,       NOV. 30,      NOV. 30,      NOV. 30,        MAY 31,       NOV. 30,      NOV. 30,
                              1998           1997          1996          1995           1998           1997          1996
                           -----------     ---------     ---------     ---------     -----------     ---------     ---------
                           (UNAUDITED)                                               (UNAUDITED)
<S>                        <C>             <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>             <C>           <C>
 
Net Asset Value,
  Beginning of Period....   $   7.95       $   10.45     $    9.68     $   10.00      $   7.82       $    9.96     $   10.00
                           -----------     ---------     ---------     ---------     -----------     ---------     ---------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT
  OPERATIONS
Net Investment Income....       0.08            0.12          0.11          0.05          0.08            0.10          0.01
Net Gain (Losses) on
  Securities (Realized
  and Unrealized)........       0.70           (2.19)         0.66         (0.32)         0.77           (2.22)        (0.05)
                           -----------     ---------     ---------     ---------     -----------     ---------     ---------
Total From Investment
  Operations.............       0.78           (2.07)         0.77         (0.27)         0.85           (2.12)        (0.04)
                           -----------     ---------     ---------     ---------     -----------     ---------     ---------
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS
Net Investment Income....      (0.12)          (0.13)       --             (0.04)        (0.11)          (0.02)       --
Net Realized Gains.......      (0.28)          (0.30)       --             (0.01)       --              --            --
                           -----------     ---------     ---------     ---------     -----------     ---------     ---------
Total Distributions......      (0.40)          (0.43)       --             (0.05)        (0.11)          (0.02)       --
                           -----------     ---------     ---------     ---------     -----------     ---------     ---------
Net Asset Value, End of
  Period.................   $   8.33       $    7.95     $   10.45     $    9.68      $   8.56       $    7.82     $    9.96
                           -----------     ---------     ---------     ---------     -----------     ---------     ---------
                           -----------     ---------     ---------     ---------     -----------     ---------     ---------
Total Return.............      10.66%#        (20.60)%        8.01%        (2.73)%#      11.09%#        (21.35)%       (0.40)%#
                           -----------     ---------     ---------     ---------     -----------     ---------     ---------
Net Assets, End of Period
  (thousands)............   $535,559       $ 431,257     $ 375,488     $ 147,125      $290,448       $ 230,469     $ 104,118
Ratio of Expenses to
  Average Net Assets**...       0.85%*          0.90%         0.99%         1.23%*        0.75%*          0.75%         0.70%*(d)
Ratio of Net Investment
  Income to Average Net
  Assets.................       1.89%*          1.47%         1.38%         1.43%*        1.85%*          1.46%         0.54%*(d)
Portfolio Turnover
  Rate...................       7.94%*         13.63%        14.52%         1.62%*         N/A***          N/A***        N/A***
Average Commission
  Rate...................   $ 0.0032       $  0.0056     $  0.0092           N/A           N/A***          N/A***        N/A***
Portfolio Turnover Rate
  of Master Fund
  Series.................        N/A             N/A           N/A           N/A           N/A             N/A           N/A
Average Commission Rate
  of Master Fund
  Series.................        N/A             N/A           N/A           N/A           N/A             N/A           N/A
</TABLE>
 
- ----------------------------------
 
  *  Annualized
 
  #  Non-annualized
 
 **  Represents the combined ratios for the respective portfolio and its
     respective pro-rata share of its Master Fund Series for the period ended
     November 30, 1994 and subsequent periods.
 
***  Refer to the respective Master Fund Series.
 
(d)  Had certain waivers and assumptions of expenses not been in effect, the
     ratio of expenses to average net assets, for the period ended November 30,
     1996 would have been 0.79%, and the ratio of net investment income to
     average net assets for the period ended November 30, 1996 would have been
     0.45%.
 
                                       26
<PAGE>
                      DFA INVESTMENT DIMENSIONS GROUP INC.
 
                              FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
 
                 FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           THE DFA ONE-YEAR FIXED INCOME PORTFOLIO
                                     ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     SIX MONTHS         YEAR          YEAR           YEAR           YEAR           YEAR
                                        ENDED          ENDED          ENDED          ENDED          ENDED         ENDED
                                       MAY 31,        NOV. 30,      NOV. 30,       NOV. 30,       NOV. 30,       NOV. 30,
                                        1998            1997          1996           1995           1994           1993
                                     -----------      --------      ---------      ---------      ---------      --------
                                     (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                  <C>              <C>           <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning of
  Period...........................   $  10.23        $  10.24      $   10.21      $   10.05      $   10.28      $  10.35
                                     -----------      --------      ---------      ---------      ---------      --------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
Net Investment Income..............       0.28            0.59           0.56           0.60           0.46          0.35
Net Gain (Losses) on Securities
  (Realized and Unrealized)........       0.01           (0.01)          0.03           0.17          (0.21)         0.11
                                     -----------      --------      ---------      ---------      ---------      --------
Total From Investment Operations...       0.29            0.58           0.59           0.77           0.25          0.46
                                     -----------      --------      ---------      ---------      ---------      --------
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS
Net Investment Income..............      (0.28)          (0.59)         (0.56)         (0.60)         (0.46)        (0.38)
Net Realized Gains.................      (0.01)          --            --              (0.01)         (0.02)        (0.15)
                                     -----------      --------      ---------      ---------      ---------      --------
Total Distributions................      (0.29)          (0.59)         (0.56)         (0.61)         (0.48)        (0.53)
                                     -----------      --------      ---------      ---------      ---------      --------
Net Asset Value, End of Period.....   $  10.23        $  10.23      $   10.24      $   10.21      $   10.05      $  10.28
                                     -----------      --------      ---------      ---------      ---------      --------
                                     -----------      --------      ---------      ---------      ---------      --------
Total Return.......................       2.98%#          5.84%          5.94%          7.80%          2.48%         4.62%
                                     -----------      --------      ---------      ---------      ---------      --------
Net Assets, End of Period
  (thousands)......................   $771,056        $752,237      $ 854,521      $ 704,950      $ 592,226      $608,400
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net
  Assets**.........................       0.21%*          0.22%          0.21%          0.20%          0.21%         0.21%
Ratio of Net Investment Income to
  Average Net Assets...............       5.56%*          5.79%          5.39%          5.86%          4.47%         3.38%
Portfolio Turnover Rate............        N/A             N/A            N/A            N/A            N/A         61.95%*(a)
Portfolio Turnover Rate of Master
  Fund Series......................      12.37%*         82.84%         95.84%         81.31%        140.82%       111.67%*(b)
Average Commission Rate of Master
  Fund Series......................        N/A             N/A            N/A            N/A            N/A           N/A
 
<CAPTION>
 
                                                    THE DFA ONE-YEAR FIXED INCOME PORTFOLIO
                                        ----------------------------------------------------------------
                                          YEAR          YEAR          YEAR          YEAR          YEAR
                                         ENDED         ENDED         ENDED         ENDED         ENDED
                                        NOV. 30,      NOV. 30,      NOV. 30,      NOV. 30,      NOV. 30,
                                          1992          1991          1990          1989          1988
                                        --------      --------      --------      --------      --------
 
<S>                                  <C><C>           <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning of
  Period...........................     $  10.33      $  10.19      $  10.16      $  10.12      $  10.12
                                        --------      --------      --------      --------      --------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
Net Investment Income..............         0.43          0.68          0.83          0.82          0.78
Net Gain (Losses) on Securities
  (Realized and Unrealized)........         0.06          0.16          0.04          0.03         (0.04)
                                        --------      --------      --------      --------      --------
Total From Investment Operations...         0.49          0.84          0.87          0.85          0.74
                                        --------      --------      --------      --------      --------
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS
Net Investment Income..............        (0.44)        (0.70)        (0.84)        (0.81)        (0.74)
Net Realized Gains.................        (0.03)        --            --            --            --
                                        --------      --------      --------      --------      --------
Total Distributions................        (0.47)        (0.70)        (0.84)        (0.81)        (0.74)
                                        --------      --------      --------      --------      --------
Net Asset Value, End of Period.....     $  10.35      $  10.33      $  10.19      $  10.16      $  10.12
                                        --------      --------      --------      --------      --------
                                        --------      --------      --------      --------      --------
Total Return.......................         5.64%         8.61%         8.88%         9.53%         7.61%
                                        --------      --------      --------      --------      --------
Net Assets, End of Period
  (thousands)......................     $561,879      $469,276      $412,907      $360,146      $341,551
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net
  Assets**.........................         0.21%         0.21%         0.21%         0.22%         0.22%
Ratio of Net Investment Income to
  Average Net Assets...............         4.81%         6.75%         8.27%         8.77%         7.70%
Portfolio Turnover Rate............       125.56%        82.26%        96.30%         0.00%        80.74%
Portfolio Turnover Rate of Master
  Fund Series......................          N/A           N/A           N/A           N/A           N/A
Average Commission Rate of Master
  Fund Series......................          N/A           N/A           N/A           N/A           N/A
</TABLE>
 
- ----------------------------------
 
   
     Restated to reflect a 900% stock dividend as of January 2, 1996.
 
  *  Annualized
 
  #  Non-annualized
 
 **  Represents the combined ratio for the portfolio and its pro-rata share of
     its Master Fund Series for the period ended November 30, 1993 and
     subsequent periods.
 
(a)  Portfolio turnover calculated for period December 1, 1992 to February 7,
     1993 (through the date on which the portfolio transferred its investable
     assets to its corresponding Master Fund Series in a tax-free exchange).
 
(b)  Master Fund Series turnover calculated for the period February 8 to
     November 30, 1993.
 
    
 
                                       27
<PAGE>
                      DFA INVESTMENT DIMENSIONS GROUP INC.
 
                              FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
 
                 FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   THE DFA TWO-YEAR GLOBAL FIXED
                                                                          INCOME PORTFOLIO
                                                                 ----------------------------------
                                                                   SIX
                                                                  MONTHS        YEAR        FEB. 9
                                                                  ENDED        ENDED          TO
                                                                 MAY 31,      NOV. 30,     NOV. 30,
                                                                   1998         1997         1996
                                                                 --------     --------     --------
                                                                 (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                              <C>          <C>          <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period........................     $ 10.40      $  10.37     $  10.00
                                                                 --------     --------     --------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
Net Investment Income.......................................        0.40          0.69         0.24
Net Gain (Losses) on Securities (Realized and Unrealized)...       (0.08 )       (0.12)        0.35
                                                                 --------     --------     --------
Total From Investment Operations............................        0.32          0.57         0.59
                                                                 --------     --------     --------
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS
Net Investment Income.......................................       (0.58 )       (0.53)       (0.22)
Net Realized Gains..........................................       (0.02 )       (0.01)       --
                                                                 --------     --------     --------
Total Distributions.........................................       (0.60 )       (0.54)       (0.22)
                                                                 --------     --------     --------
Net Asset Value, End of Period..............................     $ 10.12      $  10.40     $  10.37
                                                                 --------     --------     --------
                                                                 --------     --------     --------
Total Return................................................        3.18%#        5.66%        6.01%#
                                                                 --------     --------     --------
Net Assets, End of Period (thousands).......................     $427,320     $418,905     $319,343
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets**...................        0.30%*        0.34%        0.33%*
Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets........        7.76%*        6.70%        3.10%*
Portfolio Turnover Rate.....................................         N/A           N/A          N/A
Portfolio Turnover Rate of Master Fund Series...............       80.22%*      119.27%       87.07%*
</TABLE>
 
- ----------------------------------
 
   
  *  Annualized
 
  #  Non-annualized
 
 **  Represents the combined ratio for the portfolio and its pro-rata share of
     its Master Funds Series.
 
    
 
                                       28
<PAGE>
                      DFA INVESTMENT DIMENSIONS GROUP INC.
 
                              FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
 
                 FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      THE DFA FIVE-YEAR GLOBAL FIXED INCOME PORTFOLIO
                           ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                          NOV. 6
                           SIX MONTHS     YEAR        YEAR        YEAR        YEAR        YEAR        YEAR       YEAR       TO
                             ENDED        ENDED       ENDED       ENDED       ENDED       ENDED      ENDED      ENDED      NOV.
                            MAY 31,     NOV. 30,    NOV. 30,    NOV. 30,    NOV. 30,    NOV. 30,    NOV. 30,   NOV. 30,     30,
                              1998        1997        1996        1995        1994        1993        1992       1991      1990
                           ----------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   --------   --------   -------
<S>                        <C>          <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>
                           (UNAUDITED)
Net Asset Value,
  Beginning of Period....  $  10.88     $   11.04   $   10.51   $    9.81   $   10.56   $   10.36   $ 10.47    $ 10.02    $10.00
                           ----------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   --------   --------   -------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT
  OPERATIONS
Net Investment Income....      0.23          0.48        0.50        0.39        0.35        0.40      0.54       0.66      0.04
Net Gain (Losses) on
  Securities (Realized
  and Unrealized)........      0.19          0.33        0.61        1.08       (0.65)       0.73      0.26       0.26     (0.02)
                           ----------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   --------   --------   -------
Total From Investment
  Operations.............      0.42          0.81        1.11        1.47       (0.30)       1.13      0.80       0.92      0.02
                           ----------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   --------   --------   -------
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS
Net Investment Income....     (0.85)        (0.88)      (0.58)      (0.77)      (0.44)      (0.45)    (0.64)     (0.47)     --
Net Realized Gains.......     (0.06)        (0.09)     --          --           (0.01)      (0.48)    (0.27)     --         --
                           ----------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   --------   --------   -------
Total Distributions......     (0.91)        (0.97)      (0.58)      (0.77)      (0.45)      (0.93)    (0.91)     (0.47)     --
                           ----------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   --------   --------   -------
Net Asset Value, End of
  Period.................  $  10.39     $   10.88   $   11.04   $   10.51   $    9.81   $   10.56   $ 10.36    $ 10.47    $10.02
                           ----------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   --------   --------   -------
                           ----------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   --------   --------   -------
Total Return.............      4.20%#        7.87%      11.13%      15.23%      (2.91)%     11.42%     8.00%     11.00%     0.22%#
                           ----------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   --------   --------   -------
Net Assets, End of Period
  (thousands)............  $297,699     $ 250,078   $ 165,772   $ 208,166   $ 135,529   $ 101,528   $54,607    $31,647    $8,474
Ratio of Expenses to
  Average Net Assets.....      0.41%*        0.42%       0.46%       0.46%       0.49%       0.52%     0.58%      0.67%     0.51%*
Ratio of Net Investment
  Income to Average Net
  Assets.................      3.94%*        4.50%       4.88%       5.80%       5.75%       5.09%     5.52%      6.74%     6.92%*
Portfolio Turnover
  Rate...................     44.91%*       95.12%      97.78%     130.41%     113.55%     139.57%   210.39%    194.25%     0.00%*
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------------
 
Restated to reflect a 900% stock dividend as of January 2, 1996.
 
  *  Annualized
 
  #  Non-annualized
 
                                       29
<PAGE>
                      DFA INVESTMENT DIMENSIONS GROUP INC.
 
                              FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
 
                 FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              THE DFA FIVE-YEAR GOVERNMENT PORTFOLIO
                                           -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                           SIX MONTHS      YEAR       YEAR       YEAR       YEAR       YEAR       YEAR
                                             ENDED        ENDED      ENDED      ENDED      ENDED      ENDED      ENDED
                                            MAY 31,      NOV. 30,   NOV. 30,   NOV. 30,   NOV. 30,   NOV. 30,   NOV. 30,
                                              1998         1997       1996       1995       1994       1993       1992
                                           ----------    --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
                                           (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                        <C>           <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period....    $  10.36     $  10.42   $  10.05   $   9.75   $  10.55   $  10.88   $ 11.25
                                           ----------    --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
Net Investment Income...................        0.27         0.59       0.65       0.59       0.48       0.47      0.57
Net Gain (Losses) on Securities
  (Realized and Unrealized).............        0.03        (0.06)      0.09       0.30      (0.80)      0.49      0.31
                                           ----------    --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
Total From Investment Operations........        0.30         0.53       0.74       0.89      (0.32)      0.96      0.88
                                           ----------    --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS
Net Investment Income...................       (0.35)       (0.59)     (0.37)     (0.59)     (0.48)     (0.73)    (0.76)
Net Realized Gains......................      --            --         --         --         --         (0.56)    (0.49)
                                           ----------    --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
Total Distributions.....................       (0.35)       (0.59)     (0.37)     (0.59)     (0.48)     (1.29)    (1.25)
                                           ----------    --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
Net Asset Value, End of Period..........    $  10.31     $  10.36   $  10.42   $  10.05   $   9.75   $  10.55   $ 10.88
                                           ----------    --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
                                           ----------    --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
Total Return............................        2.94%#       5.39%      7.51%      9.35%     (3.13)%     9.46%     8.59%
                                           ----------    --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
Net Assets, End of Period (thousands)...    $210,817     $204,377   $174,386   $300,921   $235,554   $164,504   $83,543
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net
  Assets................................        0.29%*       0.29%      0.30%      0.28%      0.31%      0.31%     0.31%
Ratio of Net Investment Income to
  Average Net Assets....................        5.27%*       5.95%      5.63%      6.14%      5.08%      4.75%     5.82%
Portfolio Turnover Rate.................       10.30%*      27.78%    211.97%    398.09%     52.39%    152.10%   218.60%
 
<CAPTION>
 
                                              THE DFA FIVE-YEAR GOVERNMENT PORTFOLIO
 
                                           --------------------------------------------
                                             YEAR        YEAR        YEAR        YEAR
                                            ENDED       ENDED       ENDED       ENDED
                                           NOV. 30,    NOV. 30,    NOV. 30,    NOV. 30,
                                             1991        1990        1989        1988
                                           --------    --------    --------    --------
 
<S>                                        <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period....   $ 10.64     $ 10.46     $ 10.42     $ 10.33
                                           --------    --------    --------    --------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
Net Investment Income...................      0.81        0.76        0.85        0.62
Net Gain (Losses) on Securities
  (Realized and Unrealized).............      0.54        0.20        0.05        0.09
                                           --------    --------    --------    --------
Total From Investment Operations........      1.35        0.96        0.90        0.71
                                           --------    --------    --------    --------
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS
Net Investment Income...................     (0.74)      (0.78)      (0.86)      (0.58)
Net Realized Gains......................     --          --          --          (0.04)
                                           --------    --------    --------    --------
Total Distributions.....................     (0.74)      (0.78)      (0.86)      (0.62)
                                           --------    --------    --------    --------
Net Asset Value, End of Period..........   $ 11.25     $ 10.64     $ 10.46     $ 10.42
                                           --------    --------    --------    --------
                                           --------    --------    --------    --------
Total Return............................     13.44%       9.72%       9.33%       7.13%
                                           --------    --------    --------    --------
Net Assets, End of Period (thousands)...   $56,971     $52,260     $53,039     $ 4,863
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net
  Assets................................      0.30%       0.30%       0.30%       0.28%
Ratio of Net Investment Income to
  Average Net Assets....................      7.16%       7.91%       8.49%       7.97%
Portfolio Turnover Rate.................    223.18%     165.50%     312.59%     253.31%
</TABLE>
 
- ----------------------------------
 
Restated to reflect a 900% stock dividend as of January 2, 1996.
 
  *  Annualized
 
  #  Non-annualized
 
                                       30
<PAGE>
                      DFA INVESTMENT DIMENSIONS GROUP INC.
 
                              FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
 
                 FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   THE DFA INTERMEDIATE GOVERNMENT FIXED INCOME PORTFOLIO
                           ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                            YEAR        YEAR        YEAR       YEAR       YEAR       YEAR       YEAR
                            SIX MONTHS      ENDED       ENDED      ENDED      ENDED      ENDED      ENDED      ENDED     OCT. 22
                            ENDED MAY     NOV. 30,    NOV. 30,    NOV. 30,   NOV. 30,   NOV. 30,   NOV. 30,   NOV. 30,   TO NOV.
                             31, 1998       1997        1996        1995       1994       1993       1992       1991     30, 1990
                           ------------   ---------   ---------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
                           (UNAUDITED)
<S>                        <C>            <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
Net Asset Value,
  Beginning of Period....  $     11.28    $   11.22   $   11.24   $ 10.22    $ 11.59    $ 11.20    $ 11.02    $ 10.27    $ 10.00
                           ------------   ---------   ---------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT
  OPERATIONS
Net Investment Income....         0.32         0.66        0.65      0.70       0.69       0.55       0.76       0.84       0.09
Net Gain (Losses) on
  Securities (Realized
  and Unrealized)........         0.15         0.06       (0.13)     1.11      (1.22)      0.66       0.26       0.63       0.18
                           ------------   ---------   ---------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
Total From Investment
  Operations.............         0.47         0.72        0.52      1.81      (0.53)      1.21       1.02       1.47       0.27
                           ------------   ---------   ---------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS
Net Investment Income....        (0.33)       (0.66)      (0.50)    (0.70)     (0.68)     (0.73)     (0.78)     (0.72)     --
Net Realized Gains.......        (0.05)      --           (0.04)    (0.09)     (0.16)     (0.09)     (0.06)     --         --
                           ------------   ---------   ---------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
Total Distributions......        (0.38)       (0.66)      (0.54)    (0.79)     (0.84)     (0.82)     (0.84)     (0.72)     --
                           ------------   ---------   ---------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
Net Asset Value, End of
  Period.................  $     11.37    $   11.28   $   11.22   $ 11.24    $ 10.22    $ 11.59    $ 11.20    $ 11.02    $ 10.27
                           ------------   ---------   ---------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
                           ------------   ---------   ---------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
Total Return.............         4.27%#       6.75%       4.98%    18.04%     (4.72)%    12.84%      9.70%     14.94%      2.63%#
                           ------------   ---------   ---------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
Net Assets, End of Period
  (thousands)............  $   157,383    $ 136,555   $ 107,944   $78,087    $60,827    $53,051    $40,160    $29,393    $25,567
Ratio of Expenses to
  Average Net Assets.....         0.24%*       0.25%       0.26%     0.27%      0.29%      0.32%      0.29%      0.28%      0.23%*
Ratio of Net Investment
  Income to Average Net
  Assets.................         5.97%*       6.20%       6.22%     6.44%      6.45%      6.41%      7.05%      7.86%      8.73%*
Portfolio Turnover
  Rate...................        20.60%*      24.06%      30.84%    40.79%     27.15%     16.91%     17.91%     19.72%      0.00%*
</TABLE>
 
- ----------------------------------
 
Restated to reflect a 900% stock dividend as of January 2, 1996.
 
  *  Annualized
 
  #  Non-annualized
 
                                       31
<PAGE>
   
                      DFA INVESTMENT DIMENSIONS GROUP INC.
                              FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
                 FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              THE EMERGING MARKETS
                                                VALUE PORTFOLIO
                                          ----------------------------
                                                 FOR THE PERIOD
                                                 APRIL 2, 1998
                                          (COMMENCEMENT OF OPERATIONS)
                                                TO MAY 31, 1998
                                          ----------------------------
                                                  (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                       <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period....            $ 10.00
                                                    -------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
Net Investment Loss.....................              (0.03)
Net Gains (Losses) on Securities
  (Realized and Unrealized).............              (1.48)
                                                    -------
Total From Investment Operations........              (1.51)
                                                    -------
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS
Net Investment Income...................         --
Net Realized Gain.......................         --
                                                    -------
Total Distributions.....................         --
                                                    -------
Net Asset Value, End of Period..........            $  8.49
                                                    -------
                                                    -------
Total Return............................             (15.10)%
Net Assets, End of Period (thousands)...            $ 1,604
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets
  (1)...................................               5.21%*(a)
Ratio of Net Investment Income to
  Average Net Assets....................              (4.55)%*(a)
Portfolio Turnover Rate.................                N/A
Average Commission Rate.................                N/A
Portfolio Turnover Rate of Master Fund
  Series................................              40.38%*(b)
Average Commission Rate of Master Fund
  Series................................            $0.0013(b)
</TABLE>
    
 
- ----------------------------------
 
   
   *  Annualized
 
   #  Non-annualized
 
 (1)  Represents the combined ratio for the Portfolio and its respective
      pro-rata share of its Master Fund.
 
 (a)  Because of commencement of operations and related preliminary transaction
      costs, these ratios are not necessarily indicative of future ratios.
 
 (b)  Calculated for the six months ended May 31, 1998.
 
 N/A  Refer to the respective Master Fund.
 
    
 
                                       32
<PAGE>
                             THE FEEDER PORTFOLIOS
 
    Each of the eighteen Feeder Portfolios seeks to achieve its investment
objective by investing all of its investable assets in a corresponding Series of
the Trust, an open-end management investment company, registered under the
Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act"), that issues Series having the
same investment objective as each of those Portfolios. The Emerging Markets
Value Portfolio seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing all of
its investable assets in the Emerging Markets Value Fund, an open-end management
investment company, registered under the 1940 Act, that has the same investment
objective as the Emerging Markets Value Portfolio. This investment activity is
unlike many other investment companies which directly acquire and manage their
own portfolio of securities. The investment objective of a Feeder Portfolio may
not be changed without the approval of its shareholders. The investment
objective of a Master Fund may not be changed without approval of the
shareholders of that Master Fund. Shareholders of a Feeder Portfolio will
receive written notice thirty days prior to the effective date of any change in
the investment objective of its corresponding Master Fund.
 
   
    This prospectus describes the investment objective, policies and
restrictions of each Feeder Portfolio and its corresponding Master Fund. (See
"INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES--SMALL COMPANY PORTFOLIOS--U.S. 6-10 Small
Company Portfolio, Tax-Managed U.S. 6-10 Small Company Portfolio; U.S. 9-10
Small Company Portfolio, Japanese Small Company Portfolio, United Kingdom Small
Company Portfolio, Continental Small Company Portfolio, Pacific Rim Small
Company Portfolio and International Small Company Portfolio"; "U.S. LARGE
COMPANY PORTFOLIO--Investment Objective and Policies"; "ENHANCED U.S. LARGE
COMPANY PORTFOLIO--Investment Objective and Policies"; "LARGE CAP INTERNATIONAL
PORTFOLIO--Investment Objectives and Policies"; "DFA REAL ESTATE SECURITIES
PORTFOLIO--Investment Objective and Policies;" "VALUE PORTFOLIOS--Investment
Objectives and Policies"; "INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES--FIXED INCOME
PORTFOLIOS-DFA One-Year Fixed Income Portfolio; DFA Two-Year Global Fixed Income
Portfolio"; "RWB/DFA INTERNATIONAL HIGH BOOK TO MARKET PORTFOLIO--Investment
Objective and Policies"; "TAX-MANAGED DFA INTERNATIONAL VALUE
PORTFOLIO--Investment Objective and Policies;" and "EMERGING MARKETS PORTFOLIO,
EMERGING MARKETS SMALL CAP PORTFOLIO AND EMERGING MARKETS VALUE
PORTFOLIO--Investment Objectives and Policies.") In addition, an investor should
read "MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND" for a description of the management and other
expenses associated with the Feeder Portfolios' investment in the Master Funds.
Other institutional investors, including other mutual funds, may invest in each
Master Fund, and the expenses of such other funds and, correspondingly, their
returns may differ from those of the Feeder Portfolios. Please contact the Trust
and the Emerging Markets Value Fund at 1299 Ocean Avenue, 11th Floor, Santa
Monica, CA 90401, (310) 395-8005 for information about the availability of
investing in a Series of the Trust and the Emerging Markets Value Fund other
than through a Feeder Portfolio.
    
 
    The shares of the Master Funds will be offered to institutional investors
for the purpose of increasing the funds available for investment, to reduce
expenses as a percentage of total assets and to achieve other economies that
might be available at higher asset levels. Investment in a Master Fund by other
institutional investors offers potential benefits to the Master Fund and,
through their investment in the Master Funds, the Feeder Portfolios also.
However, such economies and expense reductions might not be achieved, and
additional investment opportunities, such as increased diversification, might
not be available if other institutions do not invest in the Master Funds. Also,
if an institutional investor were to redeem its interest in a Master Fund, the
remaining investors in that Master Fund could experience higher pro rata
operating expenses, thereby producing lower returns, and the Master Fund's
security holdings may become less diverse, resulting in increased risk.
Institutional investors that have a greater pro rata ownership interest in a
Master Fund than the corresponding Feeder Portfolio could have effective voting
control over the operation of the Master Fund.
 
    Further, if a Master Fund changes its investment objective in a manner which
is inconsistent with the investment objective of a corresponding Feeder
Portfolio and the shareholders of the Portfolio fail to approve a similar change
in the investment objective of the Portfolio, the Portfolio would be forced to
 
                                       33
<PAGE>
withdraw its investment in the Master Fund and either seek to invest its assets
in another registered investment company with the same investment objective as
the Portfolio, which might not be possible, or retain an investment advisor to
manage the Portfolio's assets in accordance with its own investment objective,
possibly at increased cost. A withdrawal by a Feeder Portfolio of its investment
in the corresponding Master Fund could result in a distribution in kind of
portfolio securities (as opposed to a cash distribution) to the Portfolio.
Should such a distribution occur, the Portfolio could incur brokerage fees or
other transaction costs in converting such securities to cash in order to pay
redemptions. In addition, a distribution in kind to the Portfolio could result
in a less diversified portfolio of investments and could affect adversely the
liquidity of the Portfolio. Moreover, a distribution in kind by the Series
corresponding to the U.S. 6-10 Small Company, U.S. 9-10 Small Company, Enhanced
U.S. Large Company, DFA One-Year Fixed Income, DFA Two-Year Global Fixed Income,
U.S. 4-10 Value, U.S. 6-10 Value, U.S. Large Cap Value, RWB/DFA International
High Book to Market and Emerging Markets Value Portfolios may constitute a
taxable exchange for federal income tax purposes resulting in gain or loss to
such Portfolios. Any net capital gains so realized will be distributed to such a
Portfolio's shareholders as described in "DIVIDENDS, CAPITAL GAINS DISTRIBUTIONS
AND TAXES" below.
 
    Finally, the Feeder Portfolios' investment in the shares of the Master Funds
is relatively new and results in certain operational and other complexities.
However, management believes that the benefits to be gained by shareholders
outweigh the additional complexities and that the risks attendant to such
investment are not inherently different from the risks of direct investment in
securities of the type in which the Master Funds invest.
 
                            SMALL COMPANY PORTFOLIOS
 
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES
 
   
    Each Small Company Portfolio, and the U.S. 6-10 Small Company, U.S. 9-10
Small Company, Japanese Small Company, Pacific Rim Small Company, United Kingdom
Small Company and Continental Small Company Series of the Trust (the "Small
Company Series"), operate as a diversified investment company whose investment
objective is to achieve long-term capital appreciation. The Small Company
Portfolios provide investors with access to securities portfolios consisting of
small U.S., Japanese, United Kingdom, European and Pacific Rim companies.
Company size will be determined for purposes of these Portfolios and Series
solely on the basis of a company's market capitalization. "Market
capitalization" for domestic securities will be calculated by multiplying the
price of a company's stock by the number of its shares of outstanding common
stock. "Market capitalization" for foreign securities will be calculated using
the number of outstanding stocks of the company that are similar to domestic
common stocks. The Pacific Rim Small Company Portfolio is not currently offering
its shares to investors.
    
 
   
    Each Small Company Series and Tax-Managed U.S. 6-10 Small Company Portfolio
intend to invest at least 80% of their assets in equity securities of U.S.,
Japanese, United Kingdom, European and Pacific Rim small companies, as defined
herein, and as applicable to the Series. The Small Company Series and Tax-
Managed U.S. 6-10 Small Company Portfolio will be structured to reflect
reasonably the relative market capitalizations of their portfolio companies. The
Advisor believes that over the long term the investment performance of small
companies is superior to large companies, not only in the U.S. but in other
developed countries as well, and that investment in the Portfolios is an
effective way to improve global diversification. Investors which, for a variety
of reasons, may choose not to make substantial, or any, direct investment in
companies whose securities will be held by the Small Company Series and
Tax-Managed U.S. 6-10 Small Company Portfolio may participate in the investment
performance of these companies through ownership of a Portfolio's stock. The
Tax-Managed U.S. 6-10 Small Company Portfolio seeks to minimize the impact of
federal taxes on returns by managing its portfolio to seek to defer the
realization of net capital gains and may seek to minimize the receipt of
dividend income in order to minimize taxable distributions to investors. For
this reason, its investment policies, including its portfolio structure and
transactions, differ slightly from the Small Company Series. For further
information on the Tax-Managed U.S. 6-10 Small Company Portfolio's investment
policies, see "TAX MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES" in this prospectus.
    
 
                                       34
<PAGE>
                      INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES--
                            SMALL COMPANY PORTFOLIOS
 
U.S. 6-10 SMALL COMPANY PORTFOLIO
 
   
    U.S. 6-10 Small Company Portfolio pursues its investment objective by
investing all of its assets in the U.S. 6-10 Small Company Series of the Trust
(the "6-10 Series"), which has the same investment objective and policies as the
Portfolio. The 6-10 Series will invest in a broad and diverse group of small
U.S. companies having readily marketable securities. References in this
prospectus to a "small U.S. company" means a company whose securities are traded
in the U.S. securities markets and whose market capitalization is not larger
than the largest of those in the smaller one-half (deciles 6 through 10) of
companies listed on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE"). The 6-10 Series will
purchase common stocks of companies whose shares are listed on the NYSE, the
American Stock Exchange (the "AMEX") and traded in the over-the-counter market
("OTC"). The 6-10 Series may invest in securities of foreign issuers which are
traded in the U.S. securities markets, but such investments may not exceed 5% of
the gross assets of the Series. It is the intention of the 6-10 Series to
acquire a portion of the common stock of each eligible NYSE, AMEX and OTC
company on a market capitalization weighted basis. (See "INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES
AND POLICIES--SMALL COMPANY PORTFOLIOS--Portfolio Structure.") In the future,
the 6-10 Series may purchase common stocks of small U.S. companies which are
listed on other U.S. securities exchanges. In addition, the 6-10 Series is
authorized to invest in private placements of interest-bearing debentures that
are convertible into common stock ("privately placed convertible debentures").
Such investments are considered illiquid and the value thereof together with the
value of all other illiquid investments may not exceed 15% of the value of the
Series' net assets at the time of purchase.
    
 
   
TAX-MANAGED U.S. 6-10 SMALL COMPANY PORTFOLIO
    
 
   
    The Tax-Managed U.S. 6-10 Small Company Portfolio pursues its investment
objective by investing its assets generally in a similar way as the 6-10 Series,
described above. However, the Tax-Managed U.S. 6-10 Small Company Portfolio will
seek to minimize the impact of federal taxes on returns by managing its
portfolio in a manner that may defer the realization of net capital gains and
may minimize the receipt of dividend income in order to minimize taxable
distributions to investors. (See "TAX MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES" below.)
    
 
U.S. 9-10 SMALL COMPANY PORTFOLIO
 
    U.S. 9-10 Small Company Portfolio pursues its investment objective by
investing all of its assets in the U.S. 9-10 Small Company Series of the Trust
(the "9-10 Series"). The 9-10 Series will invest in a broad and diverse segment
of small U.S. companies having readily marketable stocks, and whose market
capitalization is not larger than the largest of those in the quintile of
companies listed on the NYSE having the smallest market capitalizations
(smallest 20%). The 9-10 Series will purchase stocks of companies whose shares
are listed on the NYSE or AMEX or traded OTC. The 9-10 Series may invest in
securities of foreign issuers which are traded in the U.S. securities markets,
but such investments may not exceed 5% of the gross assets of the Series. There
is some overlap in the companies in which the 9-10 Series and the 6-10 Series
invest. It is the intention of the 9-10 Series to acquire a portion of the stock
of each eligible NYSE, AMEX and OTC company on a market capitalization weighted
basis. (See "INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES--SMALL COMPANY
PORTFOLIOS--Portfolio Structure.") In the future, the 9-10 Series may include
stocks of small U.S. companies which are listed on other U.S. securities
exchanges. The 9-10 Series is authorized to invest in privately placed
convertible debentures and the value thereof together with the value of all
other illiquid investments may not exceed 10% of the value of the Series' net
assets at the time of purchase.
 
                                       35
<PAGE>
JAPANESE SMALL COMPANY PORTFOLIO
 
    Japanese Small Company Portfolio pursues its investment objective by
investing all of its assets in the Japanese Small Company Series of the Trust
(the "Japanese Series"), which has the same investment objective and policies as
the Portfolio. The Japanese Series will invest in a broad and diverse group of
readily marketable stocks of Japanese small companies which are traded in the
Japanese securities markets. Generally, reference in this prospectus to the term
"Japanese small company" means a company located in Japan whose market
capitalization is not larger than the largest of those in the smaller one-half
(deciles 6 through 10) of companies whose securities are listed on the First
Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange ("TSE").
 
    While the Japanese Series will invest primarily in the stocks of small
companies which are listed on the TSE, it may acquire the stocks of Japanese
small companies which are traded in other Japanese securities markets as well.
It is the intention of the Japanese Series to acquire a portion of the stock of
each of these companies on a market capitalization weighted basis. The Japanese
Series also may invest up to 5% of its assets in convertible debentures issued
by Japanese small companies. (See "INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES--SMALL
COMPANY PORTFOLIOS--Portfolio Structure.")
 
UNITED KINGDOM SMALL COMPANY PORTFOLIO
 
    United Kingdom Small Company Portfolio pursues its investment objective by
investing all of its assets in the United Kingdom Small Company Series of the
Trust (the "United Kingdom Series"), which has the same investment objective and
policies as the Portfolio. The United Kingdom Series will invest in a broad and
diverse group of readily marketable stocks of United Kingdom small companies
which are traded principally on the International Stock Exchange of the United
Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland ("ISE"). Generally, reference in this
prospectus to a "United Kingdom small company" means a company organized in the
United Kingdom, with shares listed on the ISE whose market capitalization is not
larger than the largest of those in the smaller one-half (deciles 6 through 10)
of companies included in the Financial Times-Actuaries All Share Index ("FTA").
 
    The FTA is an index of stocks traded on the ISE, which is similar to the S&P
500 Index, and is used by investment professionals in the United Kingdom for the
same purposes as investment professionals in the United States use the S&P 500
Index. While the FTA typically will be used by the United Kingdom Series to
determine the maximum market capitalization of any company whose stock the
Series will purchase, acquisitions by the United Kingdom Series will not be
limited to stocks which are included in the FTA. The United Kingdom Series will
not, however, purchase shares of any investment trust or of any company whose
market capitalization is less than $5,000,000.
 
    It is the intention of United Kingdom Series to acquire a portion of the
stock of each eligible company on a market capitalization basis. The United
Kingdom Series also may invest up to 5% of its assets in convertible debentures
issued by United Kingdom small companies. (See "INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND
POLICIES--SMALL COMPANY PORTFOLIOS--Portfolio Structure.")
 
CONTINENTAL SMALL COMPANY PORTFOLIO
 
    Continental Small Company Portfolio pursues its investment objective by
investing all of its assets in the Continental Small Company Series of the Trust
(the "Continental Series"), which has the same investment objective and policies
as the Portfolio. The Continental Series is authorized to invest in readily
marketable stocks of a broad and diverse group of small companies organized
under the laws of certain European countries. As of the date of this prospectus,
the Continental Series may invest in small companies located in Austria,
Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands,
Norway, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland, whose shares are traded principally in
securities markets located in those countries. Company size will be determined
by the Advisor in a manner that will compare the market capitalizations of
companies in all countries in which the Continental Series invests (i.e., on a
European basis). The Advisor typically will use the appropriate country indices
of the Financial Times-
 
                                       36
<PAGE>
Actuaries World Index ("FTW") converted to a common currency, the U.S. dollar,
and aggregated to define "small companies." The FTW consists of a series of
country indices which contain generally the largest companies in the major
industry sectors in proportion to their market capitalization whose shares are
available for purchase by non-resident investors. Its constituents represent
about 70% of the total market capitalization of the respective markets.
Generally, companies with publicly traded stock whose market capitalizations are
not greater than the largest of those in the smallest 20% (9th and 10th deciles)
of companies listed in the FTW as combined for the countries in which the
Continental Series invests will be considered to be "small companies" and will
be eligible for purchase by the Continental Series.
 
    While the Advisor typically will use the aggregated FTW indices to determine
the maximum size of eligible portfolio companies, portfolio acquisitions will
not be limited to stocks listed on the FTW for any country. The Continental
Series does not intend, however, to purchase shares of any company whose market
capitalization is less than the equivalent of $5,000,000. The Continental Series
intends to acquire a portion of the stock of each eligible company on a market
capitalization basis. The Continental Series also may invest up to 5% of its
assets in convertible debentures issued by European small companies. The
Continental Series has acquired the stocks of small companies located in
Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and
Switzerland. When the Advisor determines that the investments of the Continental
Series in the stocks of small companies in those countries are sufficiently
diverse, the stocks of small companies located in other European countries may
be acquired on a country-by-country basis. In addition, the Advisor may in its
discretion either limit further investments in a particular country or divest
the Continental Series of holdings in a particular country. (See "INVESTMENT
OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES--SMALL COMPANY PORTFOLIOS--Portfolio Structure.")
 
PACIFIC RIM SMALL COMPANY PORTFOLIO
 
   
    Pacific Rim Small Company Portfolio pursues its investment objective by
investing all of its assets in the Pacific Rim Small Company Series of the Trust
(the "Pacific Rim Series"), which has the same investment objective and policies
as the Portfolio. The Pacific Rim Series is authorized to invest in stocks of a
broad and diverse group of small companies located in Australia, New Zealand and
Asian countries whose shares are traded principally on the securities markets
located in those countries. As of the date of this prospectus, the Pacific Rim
Series may invest in small companies located in Australia, Hong Kong, New
Zealand and Singapore. In the future, the Advisor may add small companies
located in other Asian countries as securities markets in these countries become
accessible. As of September 10, 1998, the Pacific Rim Small Company Portfolio
ceased offering its shares to new investors as a consequence of certain
restrictions imposed by the Malaysian government on the repatriation of assets
by foreign investors, such as the Pacific Rim Series. See "RISK FACTORS--ALL
PORTFOLIOS--Investing in Emerging Markets."
    
 
    Company size will be determined by the Advisor in a manner that will compare
the market capitalizations of the companies in all countries in which the
Pacific Rim Series invests (i.e., on a Pacific Rim basis). The Advisor typically
will use the appropriate country indices of the FTW converted to a common
currency and aggregated, to define "small companies." Generally, companies with
publicly traded stock whose market capitalizations are not greater than the
largest of those in the smallest 30% of companies (8th, 9th and 10th deciles)
listed in the FTW as combined for the countries in which the Pacific Rim Series
invests will be considered to be "small companies" and will be eligible for
purchase by the Pacific Rim Series.
 
    While the Advisor typically will use the aggregated FTW indices to determine
the maximum size of eligible portfolio companies, portfolio acquisitions will
not be limited to stocks listed on the FTW for any country. The Pacific Rim
Series does not intend to purchase shares of any company whose market
capitalization is less than $5,000,000. The Pacific Rim Series intends to
acquire a portion of the stock of each eligible company on a market
capitalization basis. The Pacific Rim Series also may invest up to 5% of its
assets in convertible debentures issued by small companies located in the
Pacific Rim. (See "INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES--SMALL COMPANY
PORTFOLIOS--Portfolio Structure.")
 
                                       37
<PAGE>
INTERNATIONAL SMALL COMPANY PORTFOLIO
 
    The International Small Company Portfolio seeks to achieve its investment
objective by investing virtually all of its assets in up to four Underlying
Series in such relative portions as determined by the Advisor from time to time.
A small portion of the assets of International Small Company Portfolio may be
invested in short-term, high-quality, fixed-income obligations pending
investment in shares of the Underlying Series and/or pending payment of
redemptions of its own shares for cash. For a complete description of the
investment objectives and policies, portfolio structure and transactions for
each Underlying Series, see "INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES--SMALL COMPANY
PORTFOLIOS." The International Small Company Portfolio is designed for investors
who wish to achieve their investment objective of capital appreciation by
participating in the investment performance of a broad range of equity
securities of Japanese, United Kingdom, European and Pacific Rim small
companies.
 
    As of the date of this prospectus, the Small Company Portfolio invests in
the shares of the Underlying Series within the following percentage ranges:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                    INVESTMENT
UNDERLYING SERIES                                                                      RANGE
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------  -----------
<S>                                                                                 <C>
Japanese Small Company............................................................     20 - 45%
United Kingdom Small Company......................................................      5 - 25%
Continental Small Company.........................................................     20 - 45%
Pacific Rim Small Company.........................................................      0 - 25%
</TABLE>
 
   
    The allocation of the assets of International Small Company Portfolio to be
invested in the Underlying Series will be determined by the Advisor on at least
a semi-annual basis. In setting the target allocation, the Advisor will first
consider the market capitalizations of all eligible companies in each of the
Underlying Series. The Advisor will calculate the market capitalizations for
each Underlying Series in the manner described under "INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND
POLICIES--SMALL COMPANY PORTFOLIOS." In determining the target allocations, the
Advisor, using its best judgment, will seek to eliminate the effect of cross
holdings between companies on a Series by Series basis and may take into account
the existence of substantial private or government ownership of the shares of a
company. The Advisor may also consider such other factors as it deems
appropriate with respect to determining the target allocations. The Advisor
expects to change the relative weights ascribed to each Underlying Series, based
on its updated market capitalization calculations, when it determines that
fundamental changes in the relative values ascribed by market forces to each
relevant geographic area have occurred. To maintain target weights during the
period, adjustments may be made by applying future purchases by International
Small Company Portfolio in proportion necessary to rebalance the investment
portfolio of the Portfolio. As of September 10, 1998, the International Small
Company Portfolio discontinued further investment in the Pacific Rim Series as a
consequence of certain restrictions imposed by the Malaysian government on the
repatriation of assets by foreign investors, such as the Series. See "RISK
FACTORS--ALL PORTFOLIOS--Investing in Emerging Markets." Under normal
conditions, the target allocations for investment by the Portfolio in the
Underlying Series are: Japanese Small Company Series--25%; United Kingdom Small
Company Series--20%; Continental Small Company Series--40%; and Pacific Rim
Small Company Series--15%. As of the date of this prospectus, the target
allocations noted above do not reflect current allocations since, while the
International Small Company Portfolio is presently invested in the Pacific Rim
Series, it has discontinued new investments.
    
 
PORTFOLIO STRUCTURE
 
   
    Each Small Company Series and Tax-Managed U.S. 6-10 Small Company Portfolio
is structured by generally basing the amount of each security purchased on the
issuer's relative market capitalization with a view to creating in each Series
and Tax-Managed U.S. 6-10 Small Company Portfolio a reasonable reflection of the
relative market capitalizations of its portfolio companies. The following
discussion applies
    
 
                                       38
<PAGE>
   
to investment policies of each Small Company Series and Tax-Managed U.S. 6-10
Small Company Portfolio.
    
 
    The decision to include or exclude the shares of an issuer will be made on
the basis of such issuer's relative market capitalization determined by
reference to other companies located in the same country, except that with
respect to Continental and Pacific Rim Series, such determination shall be made
by reference to other companies located in all countries in which the Series
invest. Company size is measured in terms of local currencies in order to
eliminate the effect of variations in currency exchange rates, except that
Continental and Pacific Rim Series each will measure company size in terms of a
common currency. Even though a company's stock may meet the applicable market
capitalization criterion, it may not be purchased if (i) in the Advisor's
judgment, the issuer is in extreme financial difficulty, (ii) the issuer is
involved in a merger or consolidation or is the subject of an acquisition or
(iii) a significant portion of the issuer's securities are closely held.
Further, securities of real estate investment trusts will not be acquired
(except as a part of a merger, consolidation or acquisition of assets). In
addition, the Advisor may exclude the stock of a company that otherwise meets
applicable market capitalization criterion if the Advisor determines in its best
judgment that other conditions exist that make the purchase of such stock
inappropriate.
 
    Deviation from strict market capitalization weighting will also occur
because the Advisor intends to purchase round lots only. Furthermore, in order
to retain sufficient liquidity, the relative amount of any security held may be
reduced from time to time from the level which strict adherence to market
capitalization weighting would otherwise require. A portion, but generally not
in excess of 20%, of assets may be invested in interest-bearing obligations,
such as money-market instruments, for this purpose, thereby causing further
deviation from strict market capitalization weighting.
 
   
    Block purchases of eligible securities may be made at opportune prices even
though such purchases exceed the number of shares which, at the time of
purchase, strict adherence to the policy of market capitalization weighting
would otherwise require. In addition, each Small Company Series and Tax-Managed
U.S. 6-10 Small Company Portfolio may, in exchange for the issuance of shares,
acquire securities eligible for purchase or otherwise represented in their
portfolios at the time of the exchange. (See "In Kind Purchases.") While such
purchases and acquisitions might cause a temporary deviation from market
capitalization weighting, they would ordinarily be made in anticipation of
further growth of assets.
    
 
   
    In the case of the Tax-Managed U.S. 6-10 Small Company Portfolio, management
strategies used by the Advisor in an attempt to defer the realization of net
capital gains and to minimize dividend income may, from time to time, cause
deviation from market capitalization weightings. The Tax-Managed U.S. 6-10 Small
Company Portfolio should not be expected to adhere to its market capitalization
weightings with the same precision as the Small Company Series. (See "TAX
MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES" below.)
    
 
    If securities must be sold in order to obtain funds to make redemption
payments, they may be repurchased as additional cash becomes available. In most
instances, however, management would anticipate selling securities which had
appreciated sufficiently to be eligible for sale and, therefore, would not need
to repurchase such securities. (See "INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES--SMALL
COMPANY PORTFOLIOS--Portfolio Transactions.")
 
    Changes in the composition and relative ranking (in terms of market
capitalization) of the stocks which are eligible for purchase take place with
every trade when the securities markets are open for trading due, primarily, to
price fluctuations of such securities. On a not less than semi-annual basis, the
Advisor will determine the market capitalization of the largest small company
eligible for investment. Common stocks whose market capitalizations are not
greater than such company will be purchased. Additional investments generally
will not be made in securities which have appreciated in value sufficiently to
be excluded from the Advisor's then current market capitalization limit for
eligible portfolio securities. This may result in further deviation from strict
market capitalization weighting and such deviation could be substantial if a
significant amount of holdings increase in value sufficiently to be excluded
from the limit
 
                                       39
<PAGE>
   
for eligible securities, but not by a sufficient amount to warrant their sale.
(See "INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES--SMALL COMPANY PORTFOLIOS--Portfolio
Transactions.") A further deviation from market capitalization weighting may
occur if a Series or the Tax-Managed U.S. 6-10 Small Company Portfolio invests a
portion of its assets in privately placed convertible debentures. Additional
information regarding the investment policies applicable to the Tax-Managed U.S.
6-10 Small Company Portfolio appears in "TAX MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES" below.
    
 
    It is management's belief that the stocks of small companies offer, over a
long term, a prudent opportunity for capital appreciation, but, at the same
time, selecting a limited number of such issues for investment involves greater
risk than investing in a large number of them.
 
    Generally, current income is not sought as an investment objective and
investments will not be based upon an issuer's dividend payment policy or
record. However, many of the companies whose securities will be selected for
investment do pay dividends. It is anticipated, therefore, that dividend income
will be received.
 
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
 
   
    On a periodic basis, the Advisor will review the holdings of each Small
Company Series and Tax-Managed U.S. 6-10 Small Company Portfolio and determine
which, at the time of such review, are no longer considered small U.S.,
Japanese, United Kingdom, European or Pacific Rim companies. The present policy
of the Advisor is to consider portfolio securities for sale when they have
appreciated sufficiently to rank, on a market capitalization basis, more than
one half decile higher than the company with the largest market capitalization
that is eligible for purchase by the particular Small Company Series as
determined periodically by the Advisor. The Advisor may, from time to time,
revise that policy if, in the opinion of the Advisor, such revision is necessary
to maintain appropriate market capitalization weighting.
    
 
   
    Securities which have depreciated in value since their acquisition will not
be sold solely because prospects for the issuer are not considered attractive or
due to an expected or realized decline in securities prices in general.
Securities may be disposed of, however, at any time when, in the Advisor's
judgment, circumstances, such as (but not limited to) tender offers, mergers and
similar transactions, or bids made for block purchases at opportune prices,
warrant their sale. Generally, securities will not be sold to realize short-term
profits, but when circumstances warrant, they may be sold without regard to the
length of time held. Generally, securities will be purchased with the
expectation that they will be held for longer than one year and will be held
until such time as they are no longer considered an appropriate holding in light
of the policy of maintaining portfolios of companies with small market
capitalizations.
    
 
                          U.S. LARGE COMPANY PORTFOLIO
 
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES
 
    U.S. Large Company Portfolio seeks, as its investment objective, to
approximate the investment performance of the S&P 500 Index, both in terms of
the price of the Portfolio's shares and its total investment return. The
Portfolio pursues its investment objective by investing all of its assets in
U.S. Large Company Series of the Trust (the "U.S. Large Company Series"), which
has the same investment objective and policies as the Portfolio. U.S. Large
Company Series intends to invest in all of the stocks that comprise the S&P 500
Index in approximately the same proportions as they are represented in the
Index. The amount of each stock purchased for the U.S. Large Company Series,
therefore, will be based on the issuer's respective market capitalization. The
S&P 500 Index is comprised of a broad and diverse group of stocks most of which
are traded on the NYSE. Generally, these are the U.S. stocks with the largest
market capitalizations and, as a group, they represent approximately 70% of the
total market capitalization of all publicly traded U.S. stocks.
 
                                       40
<PAGE>
    Under normal market conditions, at least 95% of the U.S. Large Company
Series' assets will be invested in the stocks that comprise the S&P 500 Index. A
portion, however, generally not more than 5% of net assets, may be invested in
the same types of short-term fixed income obligations as may be acquired by the
DFA One-Year Fixed Income Portfolio, in order to maintain liquidity or to invest
temporarily uncommitted cash balances. (See " INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND
POLICIES--FIXED INCOME PORTFOLIOS--Description of Investments.")
 
    U.S. Large Company Series may also acquire stock index futures contracts and
options thereon in order to commit funds awaiting investment in stocks or
maintain cash liquidity. To the extent that the Series invests in stock index
futures contracts and options thereon for other than bona fide hedging purposes,
the Series will not purchase such futures contracts or options if as a result
more than 5% of its total assets would then consist of initial margin deposits
and premiums required to establish such contracts or options. Such investments
entail certain risks. (See "RISK FACTORS--ALL PORTFOLIOS.")
 
    Ordinarily, portfolio securities will not be sold except to reflect
additions or deletions of the stocks that comprise the S&P 500 Index, including
mergers, reorganizations and similar transactions and, to the extent necessary,
to provide cash to pay redemptions of the U.S. Large Company Series' shares.
U.S. Large Company Series may lend securities to qualified brokers, dealers,
banks and other financial institutions for the purpose of earning additional
income. For information concerning Standard & Poor's Rating Group, a Division of
The McGraw-Hill Companies ("S&P"), and disclaimers of S&P with respect to the
U.S. Large Company Portfolio and the U.S. Large Company Series, see "STANDARD &
POOR'S--INFORMATION AND DISCLAIMERS."
 
                     ENHANCED U. S. LARGE COMPANY PORTFOLIO
 
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES
 
    Enhanced U.S. Large Company Portfolio seeks, as its investment objective, to
achieve a total return which exceeds the total return performance of the S&P 500
Index. The Portfolio pursues its investment objective by investing all of its
assets in Enhanced U.S. Large Company Series of the Trust (the "Enhanced U.S.
Large Company Series"). The Enhanced U.S. Large Company Series will have the
same investment objective and policies as the Portfolio. Enhanced U.S. Large
Company Series may invest in all of the stocks represented in the S&P 500 Index,
options on stock indices, stock index futures, options on stock index futures,
swap agreements on stock indices and, to the extent permissible pursuant to the
1940 Act, shares of investment companies that invest in stock indices. The S&P
500 Index is comprised of a broad and diverse group of stocks most of which are
traded on the NYSE. Generally, these are the U.S. stocks with the largest market
capitalizations and, as a group, they represent approximately 70% of the total
market capitalization of all publicly traded U.S. stocks.
 
    The Enhanced U.S. Large Company Series may, from time to time, also invest
in options on stock indices, stock index futures, options on stock index futures
and swap agreements based on indices other than, but similar to, the S&P 500
Index (such instruments whether or not based on the S&P 500 Index hereinafter
collectively referred to as "Index Derivatives"). The Enhanced U.S. Large
Company Series may invest all of its assets in Index Derivatives. Certain of
these Index Derivatives are speculative and may subject the Portfolio to
additional risks (See "RISK FACTORS--ALL PORTFOLIOS"). Assets of the Enhanced
U.S. Large Company Series not invested in S&P 500 stocks or Index Derivatives
may be invested in the same types of short-term fixed income obligations as may
be acquired by DFA Two-Year Global Fixed Income Series and, to the extent
allowed by the 1940 Act, shares of money market mutual funds (collectively,
"Fixed Income Investments") (See "INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES--FIXED
INCOME PORTFOLIOS--Description of Investments"). The Series' investments in the
securities of other investment companies may involve duplication of certain fees
and expenses.
 
    The percentage of assets of the Enhanced U.S. Large Company Series that will
be invested at any one time in S&P 500 Index stocks, Index Derivatives and Fixed
Income Investments may vary from time to
 
                                       41
<PAGE>
time, within the discretion of the Advisor and according to restraints imposed
by the 1940 Act. The Enhanced U.S. Large Company Series will maintain a
segregated account consisting of liquid assets (or, as permitted by applicable
regulation, enter into offsetting positions) to cover its open positions in
Index Derivatives to avoid leveraging of the Series.
 
    The Enhanced U.S. Large Company Series will enter into positions in futures
and options on futures only to the extent such positions are permissible with
respect to applicable rules of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission without
registering the Series or the Trust as a commodities pool operator. In addition,
the Enhanced U.S. Large Company Series may not be able to utilize Index
Derivatives to the extent otherwise permissible or desirable because of
constraints imposed by the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the
"Code") or by unanticipated illiquidity in the marketplace for such instruments.
For more information about Index Derivatives, see "RISK FACTORS--ALL
PORTFOLIOS."
 
    It is the position of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC")
that over-the-counter options are illiquid. Accordingly, the Enhanced U.S. Large
Company Series will invest in such options only to the extent consistent with
its 15% limit on investment in illiquid securities.
 
                 STANDARD & POOR'S--INFORMATION AND DISCLAIMERS
 
    Neither the U.S. Large Company Portfolio or the Enhanced U.S. Large Company
Portfolio (the "Large Company Portfolios"), nor the U.S. Large Company Series or
the Enhanced U.S. Large Company Series (the "Large Company Series") are
sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by S&P. S&P makes no representation or
warranty, express or implied, to the owners of the Large Company Portfolios or
the Large Company Series or any member of the public regarding the advisability
of investing in securities generally or in the Large Company Portfolios or the
Large Company Series particularly or the ability of the S&P 500 Index to track
general stock market performance. S&P's only relationship to the Large Company
Portfolios or the Large Company Series is the licensing of certain trademarks
and trade names of S&P and of the S&P 500 Index which is determined, composed
and calculated by S&P without regard to the Large Company Portfolios or the
Large Company Series. S&P has no obligation to take the needs of the Large
Company Portfolios, the Large Company Series or their respective owners into
consideration in determining, composing or calculating the S&P 500 Index. S&P is
not responsible for and has not participated in the determination of the prices
and amount of the Large Company Portfolios or the Large Company Series or the
issuance or sale of the Large Company Portfolios or the Large Company Series or
in the determination or calculation of the equation by which the Large Company
Portfolios or the Large Company Series is to be converted into cash. S&P has no
obligation or liability in connection with the administration, marketing or
trading of the Large Company Portfolios or the Large Company Series.
 
    S&P DOES NOT GUARANTEE THE ACCURACY AND/OR THE COMPLETENESS OF THE S&P 500
INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN AND S&P SHALL HAVE NO LIABILITY FOR ANY
ERRORS, OMISSIONS, OR INTERRUPTIONS THEREIN. S&P MAKES NO WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR
IMPLIED, AS TO RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY LICENSEE, OWNERS OF THE PRODUCT, OR ANY
OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FROM THE USE OF THE S&P 500 INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED
THEREIN. S&P MAKES NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL
WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE WITH
RESPECT TO THE S&P 500 INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. WITHOUT LIMITING ANY
OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT SHALL S&P HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY SPECIAL,
PUNITIVE, INDIRECT, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING LOST PROFITS), EVEN IF
NOTIFIED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
 
                                       42
<PAGE>
                       LARGE CAP INTERNATIONAL PORTFOLIO
 
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES
 
   
    The investment objective of Large Cap International Portfolio is to achieve
long-term capital appreciation by investing in the stocks of non-U.S. large
companies. The Portfolio intends to invest in the stocks of large companies in
Europe, Australia and the Far East. As of the date of this prospectus, the
Portfolio may invest in the stocks of large companies in Australia, Belgium,
Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Hong Kong, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand,
Norway, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. As the
Portfolio's asset growth permits, it may invest in the stocks of large companies
in Austria, Finland and Ireland. As of September 10, 1998, the Portfolio ceased
investing additional funds in Malaysia as a consequence of certain restrictions
imposed by the Malaysian government on the repatriation of assets by foreign
investors, such as the Portfolio. (See "RISK FACTORS-- ALL PORTFOLIOS--Investing
in Emerging Markets.")
    
 
    Under normal market conditions, at least 65% of the Portfolio's assets will
be invested in companies organized or having a majority of their assets in or
deriving a majority of their operating income in at least three non-U.S.
countries. The Portfolio reserves the right to invest in index futures contracts
to commit funds awaiting investment or to maintain liquidity. To the extent that
the Portfolio invests in index futures contracts for other than bona fide
hedging purposes, the Portfolio will not purchase futures contracts if as a
result more than 5% of its total assets would then consist of initial margin
deposits on such contracts. Such investments entail certain risks. (See "RISK
FACTORS--ALL PORTFOLIOS.") The Portfolio also may invest up to 5% of its assets
in convertible debentures issued by large non-U.S. companies.
 
    The Portfolio will be approximately market capitalization weighted. In
determining market capitalization weights, the Advisor, using its best judgment,
will seek to eliminate the effect of cross holdings on the individual country
weights. As a result, the weighting of certain countries in the Portfolio may
vary from their weighting in international indices such as those published by
The Financial Times, Morgan Stanley Capital International or Salomon/Russell.
The Advisor, however, will not attempt to account for cross holdings within the
same country. Generally, the companies whose stocks will be selected by the
Advisor for the Portfolio will be in the largest 50% in terms of market
capitalization for each country. The Advisor, however, may exclude the stock of
such a company if the Advisor determines in its best judgment that other
conditions exist that make the purchase of such stock for a Portfolio
inappropriate.
 
    Deviation from market capitalization weighting will occur because the
Portfolio intends to purchase round lots only. Furthermore, in order to retain
sufficient liquidity, the relative amount of any security held by the Portfolio
may be reduced from time to time from the level which adherence to market
capitalization weighting would otherwise require. A portion, but generally not
in excess of 20%, of the Portfolio's assets may be invested in interest-bearing
obligations, such as money market instruments, thereby causing further deviation
from market capitalization weighting. A further deviation from market
capitalization weighting may occur if the Portfolio invests a portion of its
assets in convertible debentures.
 
    The Portfolio may make block purchases of eligible securities at opportune
prices even though such purchases exceed the number of shares which, at the time
of purchase, adherence to the policy of market capitalization weighting would
otherwise require. In addition, the Portfolio may acquire securities eligible
for purchase at the time of the exchange or otherwise represented in the
portfolio in exchange for the issuance of its shares. (See "In Kind Purchases.")
While such transactions might cause a temporary deviation from market
capitalization weighting, they would ordinarily be made in anticipation of
further growth of the assets of the Portfolio.
 
    Changes in the composition and relative ranking (in terms of market
capitalization) of the stocks which are eligible for purchase by the Portfolio
take place with every trade when the securities markets are open for trading
due, primarily, to price fluctuations of such securities. On a periodic basis,
the Advisor will prepare lists of eligible large companies that will be revised
not less than semi-annually. Only common stocks whose market capitalizations are
not less than such minimum will be purchased by the Portfolio.
 
                                       43
<PAGE>
Additional investments will not be made in securities which have depreciated in
value to such an extent that they are not then considered by the Advisor to be
large companies. This may result in further deviation from market capitalization
weighting and such deviation could be substantial if a significant amount of the
Portfolio's holdings decrease in value sufficiently to be excluded from the then
current market capitalization requirement for eligible securities, but not by a
sufficient amount to warrant their sale.
 
    It is management's belief that the stocks of large companies offer, over a
long term, a prudent opportunity for capital appreciation, but, at the same
time, selecting a limited number of such issues for inclusion in the Portfolio
involves greater risk than including a large number of them. The Advisor does
not anticipate that a significant number of securities which meet the market
capitalization criteria will be selectively excluded from the Portfolio.
 
    The Portfolio does not seek current income as an investment objective and
investments will not be based upon an issuer's dividend payment policy or
record. However, many of the companies whose securities will be included in the
Portfolio do pay dividends. It is anticipated, therefore, that the Portfolio
will receive dividend income.
 
    Securities which have depreciated in value since their acquisition will not
be sold by the Portfolio solely because prospects for the issuer are not
considered attractive, or due to an expected or realized decline in securities
prices in general. Securities may be disposed of, however, at any time when, in
the Advisor's judgment, circumstances warrant their sale, such as tender offers,
mergers and similar transactions, or bids made for block purchases at opportune
prices. Generally, securities will not be sold to realize short-term profits,
but when circumstances warrant, they may be sold without regard to the length of
time held. Generally, securities will be purchased with the expectation that
they will be held for longer than one year, and will be held until such time as
they are no longer considered an appropriate holding in light of the policy of
maintaining a portfolio of companies with large market capitalizations.
 
                      DFA REAL ESTATE SECURITIES PORTFOLIO
 
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES
 
    The investment objective of DFA Real Estate Securities Portfolio is to
achieve long-term capital appreciation. The Portfolio will concentrate
investments in readily marketable equity securities of companies whose principal
activities include development, ownership, construction, management, or sale of
residential, commercial or industrial real estate. Investments will include,
principally, equity securities of companies in the following sectors of the real
estate industry: certain real estate investment trusts and companies engaged in
residential construction and firms, except partnerships, whose principal
business is to develop commercial property. In the future, the Advisor may
determine to include companies in other sectors of the real estate industry in
the Portfolio.
 
    The Portfolio will invest in shares of real estate investment trusts
("REITS"). REITS pool investors' funds for investment primarily in income
producing real estate or real estate related loans or interests. A REIT is not
taxed on income distributed to shareholders if it complies with several
requirements relating to its organization, ownership, assets, and income and a
requirement that it distribute to its shareholders at least 95% of its taxable
income (other than net capital gains) for each taxable year. REITS can generally
be classified as Equity REITS, Mortgage REITS and Hybrid REITS. Equity REITS
invest the majority of their assets directly in real property and derive their
income primarily from rents. Equity REITS can also realize capital gains by
selling properties that have appreciated in value. Mortgage REITS invest the
majority of their assets in real estate mortgages and derive their income
primarily from interest payments. Hybrid REITS combine the characteristics of
both Equity REITS and Mortgage REITS. At the present time, the Portfolio intends
to invest only in Hybrid REITS and Equity REITS.
 
    It is anticipated that, ordinarily, at least 80% of the net value of the
Portfolio will be invested in securities of companies in the U.S. real estate
industry. The Portfolio may invest a portion of its assets,
 
                                       44
<PAGE>
ordinarily not more than 20%, in high quality, highly liquid, fixed income
securities such as money market instruments, including short-term repurchase
agreements. The Portfolio will make equity investments only in securities traded
in the U.S. securities markets, principally on the NYSE, AMEX and OTC. In
addition, the Portfolio is authorized to lend its portfolio securities (see
"SECURITIES LOANS"), and to purchase and sell financial futures contracts and
options thereon. To the extent that the Portfolio invests in futures contracts
or options for other than bona fide hedging purposes, the Portfolio will not
purchase futures contracts or options, if, as a result, an amount in excess of
5% of the net assets of the Portfolio would be deposited as initial margin
deposits and premiums required to establish such contracts or options.
 
PORTFOLIO STRUCTURE
 
    The Portfolio will operate as a diversified investment company. The Advisor
has prepared and will maintain a schedule of eligible investments consisting of
equity securities of all companies in the sectors of the real estate industry
described above as being presently eligible for investment. It is the intention
of the Portfolio to purchase a portion of the equity securities of all of these
companies on a market capitalization weighted basis.
 
    The Portfolio will be structured by generally basing the amount of each
security purchased on the issuer's relative market capitalization in relation to
other eligible issuers in the real estate industry. However, even though a
company's stock may meet the applicable criteria described above, it will not be
purchased by the Portfolio if, at the time of purchase, in the judgment of the
Advisor, the issuer is in extreme financial difficulty or is involved in a
merger or consolidation or is the subject of an acquisition which could result
in the company no longer being considered principally engaged in the real estate
business. In addition, the Advisor may exclude the securities of a company that
otherwise meets the applicable criteria described above if the Advisor
determines in its best judgment that other conditions exist that make the
inclusion of such security inappropriate.
 
    Deviation from strict market capitalization weighting will also occur in the
Portfolio because it intends to purchase round lots only. Furthermore, in order
to retain sufficient liquidity, the relative amount of any security held by the
Portfolio may be reduced from time to time from the level which strict adherence
to market capitalization weighting would otherwise require. A portion, but
generally not in excess of 20%, of the Portfolio's assets may be invested in
interest-bearing obligations, as described above, thereby causing further
deviation from strict market capitalization weighting.
 
    The Portfolio may make block purchases of eligible securities at opportune
prices even though such purchases exceed the number of shares which, at the time
of purchase, strict adherence to the policy of market capitalization weighting
would otherwise require. In addition, the Portfolio may acquire securities
eligible for purchase or otherwise represented in the portfolio at the time of
the exchange in exchange for the issuance of its shares. (See "In Kind
Purchases.") While such purchases and acquisitions might cause a temporary
deviation from market capitalization weighting, they would ordinarily be made in
anticipation of further growth of the assets of the Portfolio. If securities
must be sold in order to obtain funds to make redemption payments, such
securities may be repurchased by the Portfolio as additional cash becomes
available to it. However, the Portfolio has retained the right to borrow to make
redemption payments and is also authorized to redeem its shares in kind. (See
"REDEMPTION OF SHARES.") Further, because the securities of certain companies
whose shares are eligible for purchase are thinly traded, the Portfolio might
not be able to purchase the number of shares that strict adherence to market
capitalization weighting might require. On not less than a semi-annual basis,
the Advisor will prepare a schedule of eligible portfolio companies. Only equity
securities appearing on the then current schedule will be purchased for the
Portfolio.
 
    Investments will not be based upon an issuer's dividend payment policy or
record. However, many of the companies whose securities will be included in the
Portfolio do pay dividends. It is anticipated, therefore, that the Portfolio
will receive dividend income. Periodically, the Advisor may expand the
Portfolio's schedule of eligible investments to include equity securities of
companies in sectors of the real
 
                                       45
<PAGE>
estate industry in addition to those described above as eligible for investment
as of the date of this prospectus.
 
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
 
    The Portfolio does not intend to purchase or sell securities based on the
prospects for the economy, the securities markets or, generally, the individual
issuers whose shares are eligible for purchase. As described under "Portfolio
Structure," investments will be made in virtually all eligible securities on a
market capitalization weighted basis.
 
    Generally, securities will be purchased with the expectation that they will
be held for longer than one year. However, securities may be sold at any time
when, in the Advisor's judgment, circumstances warrant their sale. Generally,
securities will not be sold to realize short-term profits, but when
circumstances warrant, they may be sold without regard to the length of time
held.
 
                                VALUE PORTFOLIOS
 
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES
 
   
    The investment objective of each of these Portfolios is to achieve long-term
capital appreciation. U.S. Large Cap Value Portfolio, U.S. 4-10 Value Portfolio,
U.S. 6-10 Value Portfolio and Tax-Managed U.S. Marketwide Value Portfolio will
pursue their investment objectives by investing all of their assets in U.S.
Large Cap Value Series (the "Large Cap Value Series"), U.S. 4-10 Value Series
(the "4-10 Value Series"), U.S. 6-10 Value Series (the "6-10 Value Series") and
Tax-Managed U.S. Marketwide Value Series (the "Tax-Managed Marketwide Series")
of the Trust, respectively. Each Value Series has the same investment objective
and policies as the corresponding Value Portfolio. The Tax-Managed U.S. 5-10
Value Portfolio invests directly in portfolio securities. Ordinarily, each of
the Series and Tax-Managed U.S. 5-10 Value Portfolio will invest at least 80% of
its assets in a broad and diverse group of readily marketable common stocks of
U.S. companies which the Advisor believes to be value stocks at the time of
purchase. Securities are considered value stocks primarily because a company's
shares have a high book value in relation to their market value (a "book to
market ratio"). Generally, a company's shares will be considered to have a high
book to market ratio if the ratio equals or exceeds the ratios of any of the 30%
of companies with the highest positive book to market ratios whose shares are
listed on the NYSE and, except as described under "Portfolio Structure," will be
considered eligible for investment. Large Cap Value Series will purchase common
stocks of companies whose market capitalizations equal or exceed that of the
company having the median market capitalization of companies whose shares are
listed on the NYSE, and the 6-10 Value Series will purchase common stocks of
companies whose market capitalizations are smaller than such company. The
Tax-Managed Marketwide Value Portfolio will purchase common stocks of companies
whose market capitalizations equal the market capitalizations of companies in
the 1st through 8th deciles of those companies listed on the NYSE. The 4-10
Value Series will purchase common stocks of companies whose market
capitalizations are equal to the market capitalizations of companies in the 4th
through 10th deciles of those companies listed on the NYSE. The Tax-Managed U.S.
5-10 Value Portfolio will purchase common stocks of companies whose market
capitalizations are equal to the market capitalizations of companies in the 5th
through 10th deciles of those companies listed on the NYSE. With respect to the
9th and 10th deciles, the 4-10 Value Series and Tax-Managed U.S. 5-10 Value
Portfolio will only purchase such common stocks when it is advantageous to do so
through block trades with the Advisor's other accounts. In measuring value, the
Advisor may consider additional factors such as cash flow, economic conditions
and developments in the issuer's industry.
    
 
PORTFOLIO STRUCTURE
 
   
    Each Series and Tax-Managed U.S. 5-10 Value Portfolio will operate as a
diversified investment company. Further, each Series and Tax-Managed U.S. 5-10
Value Portfolio will not invest more than 25% of their total assets in
securities of companies in a single industry. The Series and Tax-Managed U.S.
5-10
    
 
                                       46
<PAGE>
   
Value Portfolio may invest a portion of their assets, ordinarily not more than
20%, in high quality, highly liquid fixed income securities such as money market
instruments and short-term repurchase agreements. The Series and Tax-Managed
U.S. 5-10 Value Portfolio will purchase securities that are listed on the
principal U.S. national securities exchanges and traded OTC.
    
 
   
    Each of the Value Series and Tax-Managed U.S. 5-10 Value Portfolio will be
structured on a market capitalization basis, by generally basing the amount of
each security purchased on the issuer's relative market capitalization, with a
view to creating a reasonable reflection of the relative market capitalizations
of its portfolio companies. However, the Advisor may exclude the securities of a
company that otherwise meets the applicable criteria described above if the
Advisor determines in its best judgment that other conditions exist that make
the inclusion of such security inappropriate.
    
 
   
    Deviation from strict market capitalization weighting will also occur
because the Series and Tax-Managed U.S. 5-10 Value Portfolio intend to purchase
round lots only and, with respect to the 4-10 Value Series, because it intends
to purchase common stocks in the 9th and 10th deciles only through block trades,
as described above. In order to retain sufficient liquidity, the relative amount
of any security held by a Series or Tax-Managed U.S. 5-10 Value Portfolio may be
reduced, from time to time, from the level which strict adherence to market
capitalization weighting would otherwise require. A portion, but generally not
in excess of 20%, of a Series' or the Portfolio's assets may be invested in
interest-bearing obligations, as described above, thereby causing further
deviation from strict market capitalization weighting. The Series and
Tax-Managed U.S. 5-10 Value Portfolio may make block purchases of eligible
securities at opportune prices even though such purchases exceed the number of
shares which, at the time of purchase, strict adherence to the policy of market
capitalization weighting would otherwise require. In addition, the Series and
the Portfolios may acquire securities eligible for purchase at the time of the
exchange or otherwise represented in their portfolios in exchange for the
issuance of their shares. (See "In Kind Purchases.") While such purchases and
acquisitions might cause a temporary deviation from market capitalization
weighting, they would ordinarily be made in anticipation of further growth of
the assets of a Series or the Tax-Managed U.S. 5-10 Value Portfolio.
    
 
   
    On not less than a semi-annual basis, for each Series and the Tax-Managed
U.S. 5-10 Value Portfolio, the Advisor will calculate the book to market ratio
necessary to determine those companies whose stocks may be eligible for
investment. For additional information regarding the investment policies of the
Tax-Managed U.S. 5-10 Value Portfolio, including its portfolio structure and
transactions, see "TAX MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES" below.
    
 
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
 
   
    The Series and the Tax-Managed U.S. 5-10 Value Portfolio do not intend to
purchase or sell securities based on the prospects for the economy, the
securities markets or the individual issuers whose shares are eligible for
purchase. As described under "Portfolio Structure," investments will be made in
virtually all eligible securities on a market capitalization weighted basis.
    
 
   
    Generally, securities will be purchased with the expectation that they will
be held for longer than one year. Large Cap Value Series and the Tax-Managed
U.S. Marketwide Value Series may sell portfolio securities when the issuer's
market capitalization falls substantially below that of the issuer with the
minimum market capitalization which is then eligible for purchase by the Series.
The 4-10 and 6-10 Value Series and the Tax-Managed U.S. 5-10 Value Portfolio
each may sell portfolio securities when the issuer's market capitalization
increases to a level that substantially exceeds that of the issuer with the
largest market capitalization which is then eligible for investment. However,
securities may be sold at any time when, in the Advisor's judgment,
circumstances warrant their sale.
    
 
   
    In addition, Large Cap Value Series and the Tax-Managed U.S. Marketwide
Value Series may sell portfolio securities when their book to market ratio falls
substantially below that of the security with the lowest such ratio that is then
eligible for purchase by the Series. The 4-10 and 6-10 Value Series and
    
 
                                       47
<PAGE>
   
Tax-Managed U.S. 5-10 Value Portfolio may also sell portfolio securities in the
same circumstances, however, it is anticipated that they will generally retain
securities of issuers with relatively smaller market capitalizations for longer
periods, despite any decrease in the issuer's book to market ratio.
    
 
   
    In the case of the Tax-Managed U.S. 5-10 Value Portfolio, management
strategies which may be used by the Advisor to defer the realization of net
capital gains and to minimize dividend income may, from time to time, cause
deviation from market capitalization weighting. The Tax-Managed U.S. 5-10 Value
Portfolio should not be expected to adhere to its market capitalization
weightings with the same precision as the Series. (See "TAX MANAGEMENT
STRATEGIES" below.)
    
 
              RWB/DFA INTERNATIONAL HIGH BOOK TO MARKET PORTFOLIO
 
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES
 
   
    The investment objective of RWB/DFA International High Book to Market
Portfolio is to achieve long-term capital appreciation. The Portfolio pursues
its objective by investing all of its assets in the DFA International Value
Series of the Trust (the "International Value Series"), which has the same
investment objective and policies as the Portfolio. The International Value
Series operates as a diversified investment company and seeks to achieve its
objective by investing in the stocks of large non-U.S. companies that the
Advisor believes to be value stocks at the time of purchase. Securities are
considered value stocks primarily because a company's shares have a high book
value in relation to their market value (a "book to market ratio"). In measuring
value, the Advisor may consider additional factors such as cash flow, economic
conditions and developments in the issuer's industry. Generally, the shares of a
company in any given country will be considered to have a high book to market
ratio if the ratio equals or exceeds the ratios of any of the 30% of companies
in that country with the highest positive book to market ratios whose shares are
listed on a major exchange, and, except as described below, will be considered
eligible for investment. The International Value Series intends to invest in the
stocks of large companies in countries with developed markets. As of the date of
this prospectus, the International Value Series may invest in the stocks of
large companies in Australia, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Hong Kong,
Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, Spain, Sweden,
Switzerland and the United Kingdom. As the Series' asset growth permits, it may
invest in the stocks of large companies in other developed markets, including
Austria, Finland and Ireland. As of September 10, 1998, the International Value
Series ceased investing additional funds in Malaysia as a consequence of certain
restrictions imposed by the Malaysian government on the repatriation of assets
by foreign investors, such as the Series. (See "RISK FACTORS-- ALL
PORTFOLIOS--Investing in Emerging Markets.")
    
 
    Under normal market conditions, at least 65% of the International Value
Series' assets will be invested in companies organized or having a majority of
their assets in or deriving a majority of their operating income in at least
three non-U.S. countries, and no more than 40% of the Series' assets will be
invested in such companies in any one country. The International Value Series
reserves the right to invest in index futures contracts to commit funds awaiting
investment or to maintain liquidity. To the extent that the International Value
Series invests in futures contracts for other than bona fide hedging purposes,
the Series will not purchase futures contracts if as a result more than 5% of
its total assets would then consist of initial margin deposits on such
contracts. Such investments entail certain risks. (See "RISK FACTORS--ALL
PORTFOLIOS.") The International Value Series also may invest up to 5% of its
assets in convertible debentures issued by large non-U.S. companies.
 
    As of the date of this prospectus, the International Value Series intends to
invest in companies having at least $800 million of market capitalization, and
the Series will be approximately market capitalization weighted. The Advisor may
reset such floor from time to time to reflect changing market conditions. In
determining market capitalization weights, the Advisor, using its best judgment,
will seek to eliminate the effect of cross holdings on the individual country
weights. As a result, the weighting of certain countries in the International
Value Series may vary from their weighting in international indices such as
those published by The Financial Times, Morgan Stanley Capital International or
Salomon/Russell. The Advisor,
 
                                       48
<PAGE>
however, will not attempt to account for cross holding within the same country.
The Advisor may exclude the stock of a company that otherwise meets the
applicable criteria if the Advisor determines in its best judgment that other
conditions exist that make the purchase of such stock for the International
Value Series inappropriate.
 
    Deviation from market capitalization weighting also will occur because the
International Value Series intends to purchase round lots only. Furthermore, in
order to retain sufficient liquidity, the relative amount of any security held
by the International Value Series may be reduced from time to time from the
level which adherence to market capitalization weighting would otherwise
require. A portion, but generally not in excess of 20%, of the International
Value Series' assets may be invested in interest-bearing obligations, such as
money-market instruments, thereby causing further deviation from market
capitalization weighting. Such investments would be made on a temporary basis
pending investment in equity securities pursuant to the International Value
Series investment objective. A further deviation from market capitalization
weighting may occur if the International Value Series invests a portion of its
assets in privately placed convertible debentures.
 
    The International Value Series may make block purchases of eligible
securities at opportune prices even though such purchases exceed the number of
shares which, at the time of purchase, adherence to the policy of market
capitalization weighting would otherwise require. In addition, the International
Value Series may acquire securities eligible for purchase at the time of the
exchange or otherwise represented in its portfolio in exchange for the issuance
of its shares. (See "In Kind Purchases.") While such transactions might cause a
temporary deviation from market capitalization weighting, they would ordinarily
be made in anticipation of further growth of the assets of the International
Value Series.
 
    Changes in the composition and relative ranking (in terms of market
capitalization and book to market ratio) of the stocks which are eligible for
purchase by the International Value Series take place with every trade when the
securities markets are open for trading due, primarily, to price fluctuations of
such securities. On a periodic basis, the Advisor will prepare lists of eligible
large companies with high book to market ratios whose stock are eligible for
investment; such list will be revised not less than semi-annually. Only common
stocks whose market capitalizations are not less than the minimum on such list
will be purchased by the International Value Series. Additional investments will
not be made in securities which have depreciated in value to such an extent that
they are not then considered by the Advisor to be large companies. This may
result in further deviation from market capitalization weighting, and such
deviation could be substantial if a significant amount of the International
Value Series' holdings decrease in value sufficiently to be excluded from the
then current market capitalization requirement for eligible securities, but not
by a sufficient amount to warrant their sale.
 
    It is management's belief that the stocks of large companies with high book
to market ratios offer, over a long term, a prudent opportunity for capital
appreciation, but, at the same time, selecting a limited number of such issues
for inclusion in the International Value Series involves greater risk than
including a large number of them. The Advisor does not anticipate that a
significant number of securities which meet the market capitalization criteria
will be selectively excluded from the International Value Series.
 
    The International Value Series does not seek current income as an investment
objective and investments will not be based upon an issuer's dividend payment
policy or record. However, many of the companies whose securities will be
included in the International Value Series do pay dividends. It is anticipated,
therefore, that the International Value Series will receive dividend income.
 
    Securities which have depreciated in value since their acquisition will not
be sold by the International Value Series solely because prospects for the
issuer are not considered attractive, or due to an expected or realized decline
in securities prices in general. Securities may be disposed of, however, at any
time when, in the Advisor's judgment, circumstances warrant their sale, such as
tender offers, mergers and similar transactions, or bids made for block
purchases at opportune prices. Generally, securities will not be sold to realize
short-term profits, but when circumstances warrant, they may be sold without
regard to the length
 
                                       49
<PAGE>
of time held. Generally, securities will be purchased with the expectation that
they will be held for longer than one year, and will be held until such time as
they are no longer considered an appropriate holding in light of the policy of
maintaining a portfolio of companies with large market capitalizations and high
book to market ratios.
 
   
                 TAX-MANAGED DFA INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO
    
 
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES
 
   
    The Tax-Managed DFA International Value Portfolio has the same investment
objective as, and investment policies that are similar to, the DFA International
Value Series. (See "RWB/DFA INTERNATIONAL HIGH BOOK TO MARKET
PORTFOLIO--Investment Objective and Policies" above.) However, the Advisor will
manage its portfolio in a manner that will seek to defer the realization of net
capital gains and may minimize the receipt of dividend income in order to
minimize taxable distributions to investors. These tax management strategies
may, from time to time, cause deviation from market capitalization weightings.
The Tax-Managed DFA International Value Portfolio should not be expected to
adhere to its market capitalization weightings with the same precision as the
other Series and Portfolios. In addition, the investment policies of the
Tax-Managed DFA International Value Portfolio, including its portfolio structure
and transactions, differ slightly from the RWB/DFA International High Book to
Market Portfolio. (For additional information regarding the investment policies
applicable to the Tax-Managed DFA International Value Portfolio, see "TAX
MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES" below.)
    
 
                  DFA INTERNATIONAL SMALL CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO
 
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES
 
   
    The investment objective of the DFA International Small Cap Value Portfolio
is to achieve long-term capital appreciation. The Portfolio pursues its
objective by investing in the stocks of small non-U.S. companies that have a
high book to market ratio. The Investment Committee of the Advisor will
initially set the standards for determining whether the shares of a company in
any given country will be considered to be value stocks at the time of purchase.
Securities are considered value stocks primarily because a company's shares have
a high book to market ratio. Generally, such shares will be considered eligible
for investment. In measuring value, the Advisor may consider additional factors
such as cash flow, economic conditions and developments in the issuer's
industry. The Investment Committee will periodically review its standards for
determining high book to market value and will adjust the standards accordingly.
The Portfolio intends to invest in the stocks of small companies in countries
with developed markets. As of the date of this prospectus, the Portfolio may
invest in the stocks of small companies in Australia, Belgium, Denmark, France,
Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway,
Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. As the Portfolio's
asset growth permits, it may invest in the stocks of small companies in other
developed markets, including Austria, Finland and Ireland. As of September 10,
1998, the Portfolio ceased investing additional funds in Malaysia as a
consequence of certain restrictions imposed by the Malaysian government on the
repatriation of assets by foreign investors, such as the Portfolio. (See "RISK
FACTORS--ALL PORTFOLIOS--Investing in Emerging Markets.")
    
 
    Under normal market conditions, at least 65% of the Portfolio's assets will
be invested in small companies, as defined herein, organized or having a
majority of their assets in or deriving a majority of their operating income in
at least three non-U.S. countries. Currently no more than 40% of the Portfolio's
assets is invested in such companies in any one country, and if this changes, a
supplement to this prospectus will disclose such change. The Portfolio reserves
the right to invest in index futures contracts to commit funds awaiting
investment or to maintain liquidity. To the extent that the Portfolio invests in
futures contracts for other than bona fide hedging transactions, the Portfolio
will not purchase futures contracts if as a result more than 5% of its total
assets would then consist of initial margin deposits on such contracts. The
Portfolio also may invest up to 5% of its assets in convertible debentures
issued by small non-U.S. companies.
 
                                       50
<PAGE>
    As of the date of this prospectus, the Portfolio intends to invest in small
companies which, for purposes of this Portfolio, are defined as companies having
no more than $800 million of market capitalization. The Advisor may reset such
ceiling from time to time to reflect changing market conditions. The Advisor
believes that such maximum amount accounts for variations in company size among
countries and provides a sufficient universe of eligible companies. The
Portfolio will be approximately market capitalization weighted. In determining
market capitalization weights, the Advisor, using its best judgment, will seek
to eliminate the effect of cross holdings on the individual country weights. As
a result, the weighting of certain countries in the Portfolio may vary from
their weighting in international indices such as those published by The
Financial Times, Morgan Stanley Capital International or Salomon/Russell. The
Advisor, however, will not attempt to account for cross holding within the same
country. The Advisor may exclude the stock of a company that otherwise meets the
applicable criteria if the Advisor determines in its best judgment that other
conditions exist that make the purchase of such stock for the Portfolio
inappropriate.
 
    Deviation from market capitalization weighting also will occur because the
Portfolio intends to purchase round lots only. Furthermore, in order to retain
sufficient liquidity, the relative amount of any security held by the Portfolio
may be reduced from time to time from the level which adherence to market
capitalization weighting would otherwise require. A portion, but generally not
in excess of 20%, of the Portfolio's assets may be invested in interest-bearing
obligations, such as money-market instruments, thereby causing further deviation
from market capitalization weighting. Such investments would be made on a
temporary basis pending investment in equity securities pursuant to the
Portfolio's investment objective. A further deviation from market capitalization
weighting may occur if the Portfolio invests a portion of its assets in
convertible debentures.
 
    The Portfolio may make block purchases of eligible securities at opportune
prices even though such purchases exceed the number of shares which, at the time
of purchase, adherence to the policy of market capitalization weighting would
otherwise require. In addition, the Portfolio may acquire securities eligible
for purchase at the time of the exchange or otherwise represented in the
portfolio in exchange for the issuance of its shares. (See "In Kind Purchases.")
While such transactions might cause a temporary deviation from market
capitalization weighting, they would ordinarily be made in anticipation of
further growth of the assets of the Portfolio.
 
    Changes in the composition and relative ranking (in terms of market
capitalization and book to market ratio) of the stocks which are eligible for
purchase by the Portfolio take place with every trade when the securities
markets are open for trading due, primarily, to price fluctuations of such
securities. On a periodic basis, the Advisor will prepare a list of eligible
small companies with high book to market ratios whose stock are eligible for
investment; such list will be revised not less than semi-annually. Only common
stocks whose market capitalizations are not greater than the maximum on such
list will be purchased by the Portfolio. Additional investments will not be made
in securities which have appreciated in value to such an extent that they are
not then considered by the Advisor to be small companies. This may result in
further deviation from market capitalization weighting, and such deviation could
be substantial if a significant amount of the Portfolio's holdings increase in
value sufficiently to be excluded from the then current market capitalization
requirement for eligible securities, but not by a sufficient amount to warrant
their sale.
 
    It is management's belief that the stocks of small companies with high book
to market ratios offer, over a long term, a prudent opportunity for capital
appreciation, but, at the same time, selecting a limited number of such issues
for inclusion in the Portfolio involves greater risk than including a large
number of them. The Advisor does not anticipate that a significant number of
securities which meet the market capitalization criteria will be selectively
excluded from the Portfolio.
 
    The Portfolio does not seek current income as an investment objective and
investments will not be based upon an issuer's dividend payment policy or
record. However, many of the companies whose
 
                                       51
<PAGE>
securities will be included in the Portfolio do pay dividends. It is
anticipated, therefore, that the Portfolio will receive dividend income.
 
    The Portfolio does not intend to purchase or sell securities based on the
prospects for the economy, the securities market or the individual issuers whose
shares are eligible for purchase. Securities may be disposed of, however, at any
time when, in the Advisor's judgment, circumstances warrant their sale, such as
tender offers, mergers and similar transactions, or bids made for block
purchases at opportune prices. Generally, securities will not be sold to realize
short-term profits, but when circumstances warrant, they may be sold without
regard to the length of time held. Generally, securities will be purchased with
the expectation that they will be held for longer than one year, and will be
held until such time as they are no longer considered an appropriate holding in
light of the policy of maintaining a portfolio of companies with small market
capitalizations and high book to market ratios.
 
                          EMERGING MARKETS PORTFOLIO,
                      EMERGING MARKETS SMALL CAP PORTFOLIO
                      AND EMERGING MARKETS VALUE PORTFOLIO
 
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES
 
    The investment objective of both the Emerging Markets Portfolio and the
Emerging Markets Small Cap Portfolio is to achieve long-term capital
appreciation. The Emerging Markets Portfolio pursues its objective by investing
all of its assets in the Emerging Markets Series of the Trust (the "Emerging
Markets Series"), which has the same investment objective and policies as the
Portfolio. The Emerging Markets Small Cap Portfolio pursues its objective by
investing all of its assets in the Emerging Markets Small Cap Series of the
Trust (the "Emerging Markets Small Cap Series"), which has the same investment
objective and policies as the Portfolio. The investment objective of the
Emerging Markets Value Fund is to seek long-term capital growth through
investment primarily in emerging market equity securities. The Emerging Markets
Value Portfolio pursues its objective by investing all of its assets in the
Emerging Markets Value Fund, which has the same investment objective and
policies as the Portfolio. Each Master Fund operates as a diversified investment
company and seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing in emerging
markets designated by the Investment Committee of the Advisor ("Approved
Markets"). Each Master Fund invests its assets primarily in Approved Market
equity securities listed on bona fide securities exchanges or actively traded on
OTC markets. These exchanges or OTC markets may be either within or outside the
issuer's domicile country, and the securities may be listed or traded in the
form of International Depository Receipts ("IDRs") or American Depository
Receipts ("ADRs").
 
MASTER FUND CHARACTERISTICS AND POLICIES
 
    The Emerging Markets Series of the Trust will seek a broad market coverage
of larger companies within each Approved Market. This Series will attempt to own
shares of companies whose aggregate overall share of the Approved Market's total
public market capitalization is at least in the upper 40% of such
capitalization, and can be as large as 75%. The Emerging Markets Series may
limit the market coverage in the smaller emerging markets in order to limit
purchases of small market capitalization companies.
 
    The Emerging Markets Small Cap Series of the Trust will seek a broad market
coverage of smaller companies within each Approved Market. This Series will
attempt to own shares of companies whose market capitalization is less than $1.5
billion. On a periodic basis, the Advisor will review the holdings of the
Emerging Markets Small Cap Series and determine which, at the time of such
review, are no longer considered small emerging market companies. The present
policy is to consider portfolio securities for sale when they have appreciated
sufficiently to rank, on a market capitalization basis, 100% larger than the
largest market capitalization that is eligible for purchase as set by the
Advisor for that Approved Market.
 
                                       52
<PAGE>
    The Emerging Markets Value Fund seeks to achieve its objective by investing
in emerging market equity securities which are deemed by the Advisor to be value
stocks at the time of purchase. Securities are considered value stocks primarily
because they have a high book value in relation to their market value. In
measuring value, the Advisor may consider additional factors such as cash flow,
economic conditions and developments in the issuer's industry. No assurance can
be given that the Emerging Markets Value Fund's investment objective will be
achieved.
 
    The Emerging Markets Value Fund's policy is to seek to achieve its
investment objective by investing in emerging market equity securities across
all market capitalizations, and specifically those which are deemed by the
Advisor to be value stocks at the time of purchase, as described above.
 
    Each Master Fund may not invest in all such companies or Approved Markets
described above or achieve approximate market weights, for reasons which include
constraints imposed within Approved Markets (e.g., restrictions on purchases by
foreigners), and each Master Fund's policy not to invest more than 25% of its
assets in any one industry.
 
    Under normal market conditions, the Emerging Markets Series will invest at
least 65% of its assets in Approved Market securities; the Emerging Markets
Small Cap Series will invest at least 65% of its assets in small company (as
defined above) Approved Market securities; and the Emerging Markets Value Fund
will invest at least 65% of its assets in Approved Market equity securities that
are deemed by the Advisor to be value stocks at the time of purchase. Approved
Market securities are defined to be (a) securities of companies organized in a
country in an Approved Market or for which the principal trading market is in an
Approved Market, (b) securities issued or guaranteed by the government of an
Approved Market country, its agencies or instrumentalities, or the central bank
of such country, (c) securities denominated in an Approved Market currency
issued by companies to finance operations in Approved Markets, (d) securities of
companies that derive at least 50% of their revenues primarily from either goods
or services produced in Approved Markets or sales made in Approved Markets and
(e) Approved Markets equity securities in the form of depositary shares.
Securities of Approved Markets may include securities of companies that have
characteristics and business relationships common to companies in other
countries. As a result, the value of the securities of such companies may
reflect economic and market forces in such other countries as well as in the
Approved Markets. The Advisor, however, will select only those companies which,
in its view, have sufficiently strong exposure to economic and market forces in
Approved Markets such that their value will tend to reflect developments in
Approved Markets to a greater extent than developments in other regions. For
example, the Advisor may invest in companies organized and located in the United
States or other countries outside of Approved Markets, including companies
having their entire production facilities outside of Approved Markets, when such
companies meet the definition of Approved Markets securities so long as the
Advisor believes at the time of investment that the value of the company's
securities will reflect principally conditions in Approved Markets.
 
    With respect to the Emerging Markets Series and Emerging Markets Small Cap
Series, the Advisor defines the term "emerging market" to mean a country which
is considered to be an emerging market by the International Finance Corporation.
In determining what countries have emerging markets with respect to the Emerging
Markets Value Fund, the Fund will consider among other things, the data,
analysis and classification of countries published or disseminated by the
International Bank for Reconstruction (commonly known as the World Bank) and the
International Finance Corporation. Approved emerging markets may not include all
such emerging markets. In determining whether to approve markets for investment,
the Advisor will take into account, among other things, market liquidity,
investor information, government regulation, including fiscal and foreign
exchange repatriation rules and the availability of other access to these
markets by the investors of the Emerging Markets Series, the Emerging Markets
Small Cap Series and the Emerging Markets Value Fund.
 
    As of the date of this prospectus, the following countries are designated as
Approved Markets: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Indonesia, Israel, Mexico,
Philippines, Portugal, South Korea, Thailand and
 
                                       53
<PAGE>
   
Turkey. Countries that may be approved in the future include but are not limited
to Colombia, Czech Republic, Greece, Hungary, India, Jordan, Nigeria, Pakistan,
Poland, Republic of China (Taiwan), Republic of South Africa, Venezuela and
Zimbabwe. As of September 10, 1998, the Emerging Markets Series, the Emerging
Markets Small Cap Series and the Emerging Markets Value Fund ceased investing
additional funds in Malaysia as a consequence of certain restrictions imposed by
the Malaysian government on the repatriation of assets by foreign investors,
such as the Series and the Emerging Markets Value Fund. (See "RISK FACTORS--ALL
PORTFOLIOS--Investing in Emerging Markets.")
    
 
    Each Master Fund may invest up to 35% of its assets in securities of issuers
that are not Approved Markets securities, but whose issuers the Advisor believes
derive a substantial proportion, but less than 50%, of their total revenues from
either goods and services produced in, or sales made in, Approved Markets.
 
    Pending the investment of new capital in Approved Market equity securities,
each Master Fund will typically invest in money market instruments or other
highly liquid debt instruments denominated in U.S. dollars (including, without
limitation, repurchase agreements). In addition, each Master Fund may, for
liquidity, or for temporary defensive purposes during periods in which market or
economic or political conditions warrant, purchase highly liquid debt
instruments or hold freely convertible currencies, although no Master Fund
expects the aggregate of all such amounts to exceed 10% of its net assets under
normal circumstances.
 
    The Master Funds also may invest in shares of other investment companies
that invest in one or more Approved Markets, although they intend to do so only
where access to those markets is otherwise significantly limited. The Master
Funds may also invest in money market mutual funds for temporary cash management
purposes. The 1940 Act limits investment by a Master Fund in shares of other
investment companies to no more than 10% of the value of a Master Fund's total
assets. If a Master Fund invests in another investment company, the Master
Fund's shareholders will bear not only their proportionate share of expenses of
the Master Fund (including operating expenses and the fees of the Advisor), but
also will bear indirectly similar expenses of the underlying investment company.
In some Approved Markets, it will be necessary or advisable for a Master Fund to
establish a wholly-owned subsidiary or a trust for the purpose of investing in
the local markets. Each Master Fund also may invest up to 5% of its assets in
convertible debentures issued by companies organized in Approved Markets.
 
PORTFOLIO STRUCTURE
 
    The Emerging Markets Series' and Emerging Markets Small Cap Series' policy
of seeking broad market diversification means that the Advisor will not utilize
"fundamental" securities research techniques in identifying securities
selections. The decision to include or exclude the shares of an issuer will be
made primarily on the basis of such issuer's relative market capitalization
determined by reference to other companies located in the same country. Company
size is measured in terms of reference to other companies located in the same
country and in terms of local currencies in order to eliminate the effect of
variations in currency exchange rates.
 
    Even though a company's stock may meet the applicable market capitalization
criterion for a Series or the Emerging Markets Value Fund's criterion for
investment, it may not be included in a Master Fund for one or more of a number
of reasons. For example, in the Advisor's judgment, the issuer may be considered
in extreme financial difficulty, a material portion of its securities may be
closely held and not likely available to support market liquidity, or the issuer
may be a "passive foreign investment company" (as defined in the Code). To this
extent, there will be the exercise of discretion and consideration by the
Advisor which would not be present in the management of a portfolio seeking to
represent an established index of broadly traded domestic securities (such as
the S&P 500 Index). The Advisor will also exercise discretion in determining the
allocation of capital as between Approved Markets.
 
                                       54
<PAGE>
   
    Changes in the composition and relative ranking (in terms of book to market
ratio) of the stocks which are eligible for purchase by the Emerging Markets
Value Fund take place with every trade when the securities markets are open for
trading due primarily to price fluctuations of such securities. On a periodic
basis, the Advisor will prepare lists of eligible value stocks which are
eligible for investment. Such list will be revised no less than semi-annually.
    
 
    It is management's belief that equity investments offer, over a long term, a
prudent opportunity for capital appreciation, but, at the same time, selecting a
limited number of such issues for inclusion in a Series involves greater risk
than including a large number of them.
 
    The Master Funds do not seek current income as an investment objective, and
investments will not be based upon an issuer's dividend payment policy or
record. However, many of the companies whose securities will be included in a
Master Fund do pay dividends. It is anticipated, therefore, that the Master
Funds will receive dividend income.
 
    Generally, securities will be purchased with the expectation that they will
be held for longer than one year. However, securities may be disposed of at any
time when, in the Advisor's judgment, circumstances warrant their sale.
Generally, securities will not be sold to realize short-term profits, but when
circumstances warrant, they may be sold without regard to the length of time
held.
 
    For the purpose of converting U.S. dollars to another currency, or vice
versa, or converting one foreign currency to another foreign currency, each
Master Fund may enter into forward foreign exchange contracts. In addition, to
hedge against changes in the relative value of foreign currencies, each Master
Fund may purchase foreign currency futures contracts. A Master Fund will only
enter into such a futures contract if it is expected that the Master Fund will
be able readily to close out such contract. There can, however, be no assurance
that it will be able in any particular case to do so, in which case the Master
Fund may suffer a loss.
 
                                SECURITIES LOANS
 
    All of the Portfolios and Master Funds are authorized to lend securities to
qualified brokers, dealers, banks and other financial institutions for the
purpose of earning additional income, although inasmuch as the Feeder Portfolios
will only hold shares of a corresponding Master Fund, these Portfolios do not
intend to lend those shares. While a Portfolio or Master Fund may earn
additional income from lending securities, such activity is incidental to the
investment objective of a Portfolio or Master Fund. The value of securities
loaned may not exceed 33 1/3% of the value of a Portfolio's or Master Fund's
total assets. In connection with such loans, a Portfolio or Master Fund will
receive collateral consisting of cash or U.S. Government securities, which will
be maintained at all times in an amount equal to at least 100% of the current
market value of the loaned securities. In addition, the Portfolios and Master
Funds will be able to terminate the loan at any time and will receive reasonable
interest on the loan, as well as amounts equal to any dividends, interest or
other distributions on the loaned securities. In the event of the bankruptcy of
the borrower, the Fund or the Trust could experience delay in recovering the
loaned securities. Management believes that this risk can be controlled through
careful monitoring procedures.
 
          INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES--FIXED INCOME PORTFOLIOS
 
DFA ONE-YEAR FIXED INCOME PORTFOLIO
 
    The investment objective of DFA One-Year Fixed Income Portfolio is to
achieve a stable real value (i.e. a return in excess of the rate of inflation)
of invested capital with a minimum of risk. This objective will be pursued by
investing the assets of the Portfolio in DFA One-Year Fixed Income Series of the
Trust (the "One-Year Fixed Income Series"), which has the same investment
objective and policies as the Portfolio. The One-Year Fixed Income Series will
invest in U.S. government obligations, U.S. government agency obligations,
dollar-denominated obligations of foreign issuers issued in the U.S., bank
obligations,
 
                                       55
<PAGE>
including U.S. subsidiaries and branches of foreign banks, corporate
obligations, commercial paper, repurchase agreements and obligations of
supranational organizations. Generally, the Series will acquire obligations
which mature within one year from the date of settlement, but substantial
investments may be made in obligations maturing within two years from the date
of settlement when greater returns are available. It is the Series' policy that
the weighted average length of maturity of investments will not exceed one year.
The Series principally invests in certificates of deposit, commercial paper,
bankers' acceptances, notes and bonds. The Series will invest more than 25% of
its total assets in obligations of U.S. and/or foreign banks and bank holding
companies when the yield to maturity on these instruments exceeds the yield to
maturity on all other eligible portfolio investments of similar quality for a
period of five consecutive days when the NYSE is open for trading. (See
"Investments in the Banking Industry.")
 
DFA TWO-YEAR GLOBAL FIXED INCOME PORTFOLIO
 
    The investment objective of DFA Two-Year Global Fixed Income Portfolio is to
maximize total returns consistent with preservation of capital. This objective
will be pursued by investing the assets of the Portfolio in DFA Two-Year Global
Fixed Income Series of the Trust (the "Two-Year Global Fixed Income Series").
The Two-Year Global Fixed Income Series will have the same investment objective
and policies as the Portfolio. The Two-Year Global Fixed Income Series will
invest in obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. and foreign governments,
their agencies and instrumentalities, corporate debt obligations, bank
obligations, commercial paper, repurchase agreements, obligations of other
domestic and foreign issuers having quality ratings meeting the minimum
standards described in "Description of Investments," securities of domestic or
foreign issuers denominated in U.S. dollars but not trading in the United
States, and obligations of supranational organizations, such as the World Bank,
the European Investment Bank, European Economic Community and European Coal and
Steel Community. At the present time, the Advisor expects that most investments
will be made in the obligations of issuers which are in developed countries,
such as those countries which are members of the Organization of Economic
Cooperation and Development ("OECD"). However, in the future, the Advisor
anticipates investing in issuers located in other countries as well. Under
normal market conditions, the Series will invest at least 65% of the value of
its assets in issuers organized or having a majority of their assets in, or
deriving a majority of their operating income in, at least three different
countries, one of which may be the United States.
 
   
    The Series will acquire obligations which mature within two years from the
date of settlement. Because many of the Series' investments will be denominated
in foreign currencies, the Series will also enter into forward foreign currency
contracts solely for the purpose of hedging against fluctuations in currency
exchange rates. The Series will invest more than 25% of its total assets in
obligations of U.S. and/ or foreign banks and bank holding companies when the
yield to maturity on these instruments exceeds the yield to maturity on all
other eligible portfolio investments of similar quality for a period of five
consecutive days when the NYSE is open for trading. (See "Investments in the
Banking Industry.")
    
 
DFA FIVE-YEAR GLOBAL FIXED INCOME PORTFOLIO
 
    The investment objective of DFA Five-Year Global Fixed Income Portfolio is
to provide a market rate of return for a fixed income portfolio with low
relative volatility of returns. The Portfolio will invest primarily in
obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. and foreign governments, their
agencies and instrumentalities, obligations of other foreign issuers rated AA or
better, corporate debt obligations, bank obligations, commercial paper rated as
set forth in "Description of Investments" and supranational organizations, such
as the World Bank, the European Investment Bank, European Economic Community,
and European Coal and Steel Community. At the present time, the Advisor expects
that most investments will be made in the obligations of issuers which are
developed countries, such as those countries which are members of the OECD.
However, in the future, the Advisor anticipates investing in issuers located in
other countries as well. Under normal market conditions, the Portfolio will
invest at least 65% of the value of its assets in issuers organized or having a
majority of their assets in, or deriving a majority of their
 
                                       56
<PAGE>
operating income in, at least three different countries, one of which may be the
United States. The Portfolio will acquire obligations which mature within five
years from the date of settlement. Because many of the Portfolio's investments
will be denominated in foreign currencies, the Portfolio will also enter into
forward foreign currency contracts solely for the purpose of hedging against
fluctuations in currency exchange rates.
 
DFA FIVE-YEAR GOVERNMENT PORTFOLIO
 
    The investment objective of DFA Five-Year Government Portfolio is to
maximize total returns available from the universe of debt obligations of the
U.S. government and U.S. government agencies. Ordinarily, the Portfolio will
invest at least 65% of its assets in U.S. government obligations and U.S.
government agency obligations that mature within five years from the date of
settlement. The Portfolio will also acquire repurchase agreements.
 
DFA INTERMEDIATE GOVERNMENT FIXED INCOME PORTFOLIO
 
    The investment objective of DFA Intermediate Government Fixed Income
Portfolio is to earn current income consistent with preservation of capital.
Ordinarily, the Portfolio will invest at least 65% of its assets in non-callable
obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government and U.S. government
agencies, AAA-rated, dollar-denominated obligations of foreign governments,
obligations of supranational organizations, and futures contracts on U.S.
Treasury securities. Since government guaranteed mortgage-backed securities are
considered callable, such securities will not be included in the Portfolio.
 
    Generally, the Portfolio will hold securities with maturities of between
five and fifteen years. The Portfolio will not shift the maturity of its
investments in anticipation of interest rate movements and ordinarily will have
an average weighted maturity, based upon market values, of between seven to ten
years. One of the benefits of the Portfolio is expected to be that in a period
of steeply falling interest rates, the Portfolio should perform well because of
its average weighted maturity and the high quality and non-callable nature of
its investments. The Portfolio is expected to match or exceed the returns of the
Lehman Brothers Treasury Index, without exceeding the volatility of that Index.
 
    The Portfolio may invest more than 5% of its assets in the obligations of
foreign governments. Those obligations at the time of purchase must be either
rated in the highest rating category of a nationally recognized statistical
rating organization or, in the case of any obligation that is unrated, of
comparable quality. The Portfolio also may invest in futures contracts on U.S.
Treasury securities or options on such contracts for the purposes of remaining
fully invested and maintaining liquidity to pay redemptions. However, the
Portfolio will not purchase futures contracts or options thereon if as a result
more than 5% of its total assets would then consist of initial and variation
margin deposits on such contracts or options. Such investments entail certain
risks. (See "RISK FACTORS--ALL PORTFOLIOS.")
 
DESCRIPTION OF INVESTMENTS
 
    The following is a description of the categories of investments which may be
acquired by the Fixed Income Portfolios and the One-Year Fixed Income and
Two-Year Global Fixed Income Series.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                  PERMISSIBLE
                                                                                  CATEGORIES:
                                                                                 -------------
<S>                                                                              <C>
DFA One-Year Fixed Income Series...............................................        1- 6, 8
DFA Five-Year Government Portfolio.............................................        1, 2, 6
DFA Two-Year Global Fixed Income Series........................................           1-10
DFA Five-Year Global Fixed Income Portfolio....................................           1-10
DFA Intermediate Government Fixed Income Portfolio.............................  1, 2, 6, 7, 8
</TABLE>
 
    1.  U.S. GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS--Debt securities issued by the U.S. Treasury
which are direct obligations of the U.S. government, including bills, notes and
bonds.
 
                                       57
<PAGE>
    2.  U.S. GOVERNMENT AGENCY OBLIGATIONS--Issued or guaranteed by U.S.
government-sponsored instrumentalities and federal agencies, including the
Federal National Mortgage Association, Federal Home Loan Bank and the Federal
Housing Administration.
 
    3.  CORPORATE DEBT OBLIGATIONS--Non-convertible corporate debt securities
(E.G., bonds and debentures) which are issued by companies whose commercial
paper is rated Prime-1 by Moody's Investors Services, Inc. ("Moody's") or A-1 by
S&P and dollar-denominated obligations of foreign issuers issued in the U.S. If
the issuer's commercial paper is unrated, then the debt security would have to
be rated at least AA by S&P or Aa2 by Moody's. If there is neither a commercial
paper rating nor a rating of the debt security, then the Advisor must determine
that the debt security is of comparable quality to equivalent issues of the same
issuer rated at least AA or Aa2.
 
    4.  BANK OBLIGATIONS--Obligations of U.S. banks and savings-and-loan
associations and dollar-denominated obligations of U.S. subsidiaries and
branches of foreign banks, such as certificates of deposit (including marketable
variable rate certificates of deposit) and bankers' acceptances. Bank
certificates of deposit will only be acquired from banks having assets in excess
of $1,000,000,000.
 
    5.  COMMERCIAL PAPER--Rated, at the time of purchase, A-1 or better by S&P
or Prime-1 by Moody's, or, if not rated, issued by a corporation having an
outstanding unsecured debt issue rated Aaa by Moody's or AAA by S&P, and having
a maximum maturity of nine months.
 
    6.  REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS--Instruments through which the Portfolios purchase
securities ("underlying securities") from a bank, or a registered U.S.
government securities dealer, with an agreement by the seller to repurchase the
security at an agreed price, plus interest at a specified rate. The underlying
securities will be limited to U.S. government and agency obligations described
in (1) and (2) above. The Portfolios will not enter into a repurchase agreement
with a duration of more than seven days if, as a result, more than 10% of the
value of the Portfolio's total assets would be so invested. The Portfolios will
also only invest in repurchase agreements with a bank if the bank has at least
$1,000,000,000 in assets and is approved by the Investment Committee of the
Advisor. The Advisor will monitor the market value of the securities plus any
accrued interest thereon so that they will at least equal the repurchase price.
 
    7.  FOREIGN GOVERNMENT AND AGENCY OBLIGATIONS--Bills, notes, bonds and other
debt securities issued or guaranteed by foreign governments, or their agencies
and instrumentalities.
 
    8.  SUPRANATIONAL ORGANIZATION OBLIGATIONS--Debt securities of supranational
organizations such as the European Coal and Steel Community, the European
Economic Community and the World Bank, which are chartered to promote economic
development.
 
    9.  FOREIGN ISSUER OBLIGATIONS--Debt securities of non-U.S. issuers rated AA
or better by S&P or Aa2 or better by Moody's.
 
    10. EURODOLLAR OBLIGATIONS--Debt securities of domestic or foreign issuers
denominated in U.S. dollars but not trading in the United States.
 
    Investors should be aware that the net asset values of the Fixed Income
Portfolios may change as general levels of interest rates fluctuate. When
interest rates increase, the value of a portfolio of fixed-income securities can
be expected to decline. Conversely, when interest rates decline, the value of a
portfolio of fixed-income securities can be expected to increase.
 
    The categories of investments that may be acquired by each of the Fixed
Income Portfolios (other than DFA Intermediate Government Fixed Income
Portfolio) and the One-Year Fixed Income and Two-Year Global Fixed Income Series
may include both fixed and floating rate securities. Floating rate securities
bear interest at rates that vary with prevailing market rates. Interest rate
adjustments are made periodically (E.G., every six months), usually based on a
money market index such as the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) or the
Treasury bill rate.
 
                                       58
<PAGE>
INVESTMENTS IN THE BANKING INDUSTRY
 
    The One-Year Fixed Income Series and Two-Year Global Fixed Income Series
will invest more than 25% of their total respective assets in obligations of
U.S. and/or foreign banks and bank holding companies when the yield to maturity
on these investments exceeds the yield to maturity on all other eligible
portfolio investments for a period of five consecutive days when the NYSE is
open for trading. For the purpose of this policy, which is a fundamental policy
of each Series and can only be changed by a vote of the shareholders of each
Series, banks and bank holding companies are considered to constitute a single
industry, the banking industry. The DFA One-Year Fixed Income Portfolio and DFA
Two-Year Global Fixed Income Portfolio each have the same fundamental policy,
which can only be changed by a vote of each Portfolio's shareholders, except
that the policy of each Portfolio does not apply to the extent that all or
substantially all of its assets are invested in its respective Series. When
investment in such obligations exceeds 25% of the total net assets of any of
these Series, such Series will be considered to be concentrating its investments
in the banking industry. As of the date of this prospectus, the One-Year Fixed
Income Series is concentrating its investment in this industry.
 
    The types of bank and bank holding company obligations in which the One-Year
Fixed Income Series and DFA Two-Year Global Fixed Income Series may invest
include: dollar-denominated certificates of deposit, bankers' acceptances,
commercial paper and other debt obligations issued in the United States and
which mature within two years of the date of settlement, provided such
obligations meet each Series' established credit rating criteria as stated under
"Description of Investments." In addition, both Series are authorized to invest
more than 25% of their total assets in Treasury bonds, bills and notes and
obligations of federal agencies and instrumentalities.
 
PORTFOLIO STRATEGY
 
    The One-Year Fixed Income Series and Two-Year Global Fixed Income Series
will be managed with a view to capturing credit risk premiums and term or
maturity premiums. As used herein, the term "credit risk premium" means the
anticipated incremental return on investment for holding obligations considered
to have greater credit risk than direct obligations of the U.S. Treasury, and
"maturity risk premium" means the anticipated incremental return on investment
for holding securities having maturities of longer than one month compared to
securities having a maturity of one month. The Advisor believes that credit risk
premiums are available largely through investment in high grade commercial
paper, certificates of deposit and corporate obligations. The holding period for
assets of the Series will be chosen with a view to maximizing anticipated
monthly returns, net of trading costs.
 
   
    The One-Year Fixed Income Series, Two-Year Global Fixed Income Series and
DFA Five-Year Government Portfolio are expected to have high portfolio turnover
rates due to the relatively short maturities of the securities to be acquired.
The rate of portfolio turnover will depend upon market and other conditions; it
will not be a limiting factor when management believes that portfolio changes
are appropriate. It is anticipated that the annual turnover rate of the Two-Year
Global Fixed Income Series could be 0% to 200%. While the Fixed Income
Portfolios, the One-Year Fixed Income Series and Two-Year Global Fixed Income
Series acquire securities in principal transactions and, therefore, do not pay
brokerage commissions, the spread between the bid and asked prices of a security
may be considered to be a "cost" of trading. Such costs ordinarily increase with
trading activity. However, as stated above, securities ordinarily will be sold
when, in the Advisor's judgment, the monthly return of a Portfolio, the One-Year
Fixed Income Series or the Two-Year Fixed Income Series will be increased as a
result of portfolio transactions after taking into account the cost of trading.
It is anticipated that securities will be acquired in the secondary markets for
short term instruments.
    
 
    The DFA Five-Year Global Fixed Income Portfolio will be managed with a view
to capturing maturity risk premiums. Ordinarily the Portfolio will invest
primarily in obligations issued or guaranteed by foreign governments and their
agencies and instrumentalities, obligations of other foreign issuers rated AA or
 
                                       59
<PAGE>
better and supranational organizations. Supranational issuers include the
European Economic Community, the European Coal and Steel Community, the Nordic
Investment Bank, the World Bank and the Japanese Development Bank. The Portfolio
will own obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government and its
agencies and instrumentalities also. At times when, in the Advisor's judgement,
eligible foreign securities do not offer maturity risk premiums that compare
favorably with those offered by eligible U.S. securities, the Portfolio will be
invested primarily in the latter securities.
 
   
                           TAX MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES
    
 
   
    The Tax-Managed U.S. 6-10 Small Company Portfolio, Tax-Managed Marketwide
Series, Tax-Managed U.S. 5-10 Value Portfolio and Tax-Managed DFA International
Value Portfolio (individually, a "Tax-Managed Portfolio or Series" and
collectively, the "Tax-Managed Portfolios and Series") seek to minimize the
impact of federal taxes on returns by managing their portfolios in a manner that
will defer the realization of net capital gains where possible and may minimize
dividend income.
    
 
   
    When selling securities, each Tax-Managed Portfolio or Series typically will
select the highest cost shares of the specific security in order to minimize the
realization of capital gains. In certain cases, the highest cost shares may
produce a short-term capital gain. Since short-term capital gains are taxed at
higher tax rates than long-term capital gains, the highest cost shares with a
long-term holding period may be disposed of instead. Each Tax-Managed Portfolio
or Series also will seek, when possible, not to dispose of a security until the
long-term holding period for capital gains for tax purposes has been satisfied.
Additionally, each Tax-Managed Portfolio or Series may, when consistent with all
other tax management policies, sell securities in order to realize capital
losses. Realized capital losses can be used to offset realized capital gains,
thus reducing capital gains distributions. However, realization of capital gains
is not entirely within the Advisor's control. Capital gains distributions may
vary considerably from year to year; there will be no capital gains
distributions in years when a Tax-Managed Portfolio or Series realizes net
capital losses. The timing of purchases and sales of securities may be managed
to minimize the receipt of dividends to the extent possible. With respect to
dividends that are received, the Tax-Managed Portfolios and Series may not be
eligible to flow through the dividends received deduction attributable to
holdings in U.S. equity securities to corporate shareholders, if because of
timing activities, the requisite holding period of the dividend paying stock is
not met. Portfolio holdings may be managed to emphasize low dividend-yielding
securities.
    
 
   
    The Tax-Managed Portfolios and Series are expected to deviate from their
market capitalization weightings to a greater extent than the other Portfolios
and Series. For example, the Advisor may exclude the stock of a company that
meets applicable market capitalization criterion in order to avoid dividend
income, and the Advisor may sell the stock of a company that meets applicable
market capitalization criterion in order to realize a capital loss.
Additionally, while the Series other than the Tax-Managed Portfolios and Series
are managed so that securities will generally be held for longer than one year,
the Tax-Managed Portfolios and Series may dispose of any securities whenever the
Advisor determines that such disposition would be consistent with the tax
management strategies of the Tax-Managed Portfolios and Series.
    
 
   
    Although the Advisor seeks to manage each Tax-Managed Portfolio or Series in
order to minimize the realization of capital gains and possible taxable dividend
income during a particular year, the Tax-Managed Portfolio or Series may
nonetheless distribute taxable gains and taxable income to shareholders from
time to time. Furthermore shareholders may be required to pay taxes on a
Tax-Managed Portfolio's or Series' capital gains, if any, realized upon the sale
of the Tax-Managed Portfolio's or Series' assets to meet redemptions of shares
of the Tax-Managed Portfolio or Series. The redeeming shareholder will be
required to pay taxes on the shareholder's capital gains realized on a
redemption, whether paid in cash or in kind, if the amount realized on
redemption is greater than the amount of the shareholder's tax basis in the
shares sold.
    
 
                                       60
<PAGE>
                          RISK FACTORS--ALL PORTFOLIOS
 
SMALL COMPANY SECURITIES
 
    Typically, securities of small companies are less liquid than securities of
large companies. Recognizing this factor, management will endeavor to effect
securities transactions in a manner to avoid causing significant price
fluctuations in the market for these securities. In addition, the prices of
small company securities may fluctuate more sharply than those of other
securities.
 
FOREIGN SECURITIES
 
    The International Equity Portfolios, International Value Series, DFA
Five-Year Global Fixed Income Portfolio, One-Year Fixed Income Series, Two-Year
Global Fixed Income Series and Enhanced U.S. Large Company Series (directly or
indirectly through their investment in the Master Funds) invest in foreign
issuers. Such investments involve risks that are not associated with investments
in U.S. public companies. Such risks may include legal, political and or
diplomatic actions of foreign governments, such as imposition of withholding
taxes on interest and dividend income payable on the securities held, possible
seizure or nationalization of foreign deposits, establishment of exchange
controls or the adoption of other foreign governmental restrictions which might
adversely affect the value of the assets held by the Portfolios and the Master
Funds. (Also see "Foreign Currencies and Related Transactions" below.) Further,
foreign issuers are not generally subject to uniform accounting, auditing and
financial reporting standards comparable to those of U.S. public companies, and
there may be less publicly available information about such companies than
comparable U.S. companies. The One-Year Fixed Income Series, Two-Year Global
Fixed Income Series, Enhanced U.S. Large Company Series and the Intermediate
Government Fixed Income and Five-Year Global Fixed Income Portfolios may invest
in obligations of supranational organizations. The value of the obligations of
these organizations may be adversely affected if one or more of their supporting
governments discontinue their support. Also, there can be no assurance that any
of the Portfolios will achieve its investment objective.
 
    The economies of many countries in which the Portfolios identified above and
the Master Funds invest are not as diverse or resilient as the U.S. economy, and
have significantly less financial resources. Some countries are more heavily
dependent on international trade and may be affected to a greater extent by
protectionist measures of their governments, or dependent upon a relatively
limited number of commodities and, thus, resistive to changes in world prices
for these commodities.
 
    In many foreign countries, stock markets are more variable than U.S. markets
for two reasons. Contemporaneous declines in both (i) foreign securities prices
in local currencies and (ii) the value of local currencies in relation to the
U.S. dollar can have a significant negative impact on the net asset value of a
Portfolio or Master Fund that holds the foreign securities. The net asset value
of the Portfolios and Master Funds are denominated in U.S. dollars, and,
therefore, declines in market price of both the foreign securities held by a
Portfolio or a Master Fund and the foreign currency in which these securities
are denominated will be reflected in the net asset value of the Portfolio's and
Master Fund's shares.
 
INVESTING IN EMERGING MARKETS
 
    The investments of the Emerging Markets Series, Emerging Markets Small Cap
Series and Emerging Markets Value Fund involve risks in addition to the usual
risks of investing in developed foreign markets. A number of emerging securities
markets restrict, to varying degrees, foreign investment in stocks. Repatriation
of investment income, capital and the proceeds of sales by foreign investors may
require governmental registration and/or approval in some emerging countries. In
some jurisdictions, such restrictions and the imposition of taxes are intended
to discourage shorter rather than longer-term holdings. While the Emerging
Markets Series, Emerging Markets Small Cap Series and Emerging Markets Value
Fund will invest only in markets where these restrictions are considered
acceptable to the Advisor, new or additional repatriation restrictions might be
imposed subsequent to a Master Fund's investment. If
 
                                       61
<PAGE>
such restrictions were imposed subsequent to investment in the securities of a
particular country, a Master Fund might, among other things, discontinue the
purchasing of securities in that country. Such restrictions will be considered
in relation to the Master Fund's liquidity needs and other factors and may make
it particularly difficult to establish the fair market value of particular
securities from time to time. The valuation of securities held by a Master Fund
is the responsibility of the Master Fund's Board of Trustees or Directors,
acting in good faith and with advice from the Advisor. (See "VALUATION OF
SHARES.") Further, some attractive equity securities may not be available to the
Master Funds because foreign shareholders hold the maximum amount permissible
under current laws.
 
    Relative to the U.S. and to larger non-U.S. markets, many of the emerging
securities markets in which the Emerging Markets Series, Emerging Markets Small
Cap Series and Emerging Markets Value Fund may invest are relatively small, have
low trading volumes, suffer periods of illiquidity and are characterized by
significant price volatility. Such factors may be even more pronounced in
jurisdictions where securities ownership is divided into separate classes for
domestic and non-domestic owners. These risks are heightened for investments in
small company emerging markets securities.
 
    In addition, many emerging markets, including most Latin American countries,
have experienced substantial, and, in some periods, extremely high, rates of
inflation for many years. Inflation and rapid fluctuations in inflation rates
have had and may continue to have very negative effects on the economies and
securities markets of certain countries. In an attempt to control inflation,
wage and price controls have been imposed at times in certain countries. Certain
emerging markets have recently transitioned, or are in the process of
transitioning, from centrally controlled to market-based economies. There can be
no assurance that such transitions will be successful.
 
    Brokerage commissions, custodial services and other costs relating to
investment in foreign markets generally are more expensive than in the United
States; this is particularly true with respect to emerging markets. Such markets
have different settlement and clearance procedures. In certain markets there
have been times when settlements do not keep pace with the volume of securities
transactions, making it difficult to conduct such transactions. The inability of
a Master Fund to make intended securities purchases due to settlement problems
could cause the Master Fund to miss investment opportunities. Inability to
dispose of a portfolio security caused by settlement problems could result
either in losses to a Master Fund due to subsequent declines in value of the
portfolio security or, if the Master Fund has entered into a contract to sell
the security, could result in possible liability to the purchaser.
 
    The risk also exists that an emergency situation may arise in one or more
emerging markets as a result of which trading of securities may cease or may be
substantially curtailed and prices for a Master Fund's portfolio securities in
such markets may not be readily available. The Master Fund's portfolio
securities in the affected markets will be valued at fair value determined in
good faith by or under the direction of the Board of Trustees or Directors of
the relevant Master Fund.
 
    Government involvement in the private sector varies in degrees among the
emerging securities markets contemplated for investment by each Master Fund.
Such involvement may, in some cases, include government ownership of companies
in certain commercial business sectors, wage and price controls or imposition of
trade barriers and other protectionist measures. With respect to any developing
country, there is no guarantee that some future economic or political crisis
will not lead to price controls, forced mergers of companies, expropriation, the
creation of government monopolies, or other measures which could be detrimental
to the investments of a Master Fund.
 
    On September 1, 1998, the Malaysian government announced a series of capital
and foreign exchange controls on the Malaysian currency, the ringgit, and on
transactions on the Kuala Lampur Stock Exchange, that operate to severely
constrain or prohibit foreign investors, including the corresponding Series in
which certain Portfolios invest their assets, from repatriating assets. While
there is some confusion in the market concerning the interpretations of these
changes, it appears that the Portfolios and Series will not be
 
                                       62
<PAGE>
permitted to convert the proceeds of the sale of their Malaysian investments
into U.S. dollars prior to September 1, 1999.
 
   
    As a consequence of these developments, the Portfolios and Series have
stopped investing additional funds in Malaysia. With respect to the current
Malaysian investments owned by the Portfolios and Series, the Portfolios and
Series are presently valuing the securities in good faith at fair value by
discounting the current market prices of the Malaysian securities and/or
discounting the U.S. dollar-ringgit currency exchange rate. Pending further
clarification from Malaysian regulatory authorities regarding the controls
identified above, the Portfolios and Series will treat their investments in
Malaysian securities as illiquid.
    
 
   
    As of November 30, 1998, Malaysian securities constitute approximately the
following percentages of the net asset value of the designated Series and
Portfolios: Pacific Rim Series, 26.01%; International Small Company Portfolio,
4.68%; DFA International Small Cap Value Portfolio, 2.85%; Emerging Markets
Series, 5.63%; Dimensional Emerging Markets Value Fund Inc. (Emerging Markets
Value Portfolio), 8.69%; and Emerging Markets Small Cap Series, 9.18%. Malaysian
securities constitute less than one percent of the net asset value of the Large
Cap International Portfolio and the RWB/DFA International High Book to Market
Portfolio.
    
 
    Taxation of dividends and capital gains received by non-residents varies
among countries with emerging markets and, in some cases, is high in relation to
comparable U.S. rates. Particular tax structures may have the intended or
incidental effect of encouraging long holding periods for particular securities
and/or the reinvestment of earnings and sales proceeds in the same jurisdiction.
In addition, emerging market jurisdictions typically have less well-defined tax
laws and procedures than is the case in the United States, and such laws may
permit retroactive taxation so that the Emerging Markets Series, Emerging
Markets Small Cap Series and Emerging Markets Value Fund could in the future
become subject to local tax liability that it had not reasonably anticipated in
conducting its investment activities or valuing its assets.
 
FOREIGN CURRENCIES AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
 
    Investments of the International Equity Portfolios (directly or indirectly
through their investment in the Master Funds) and DFA Five-Year Global Fixed
Income Portfolio, many of the investments of the Two-Year Global Fixed Income
Series and, to a lesser extent, the investment in the Enhanced U.S. Large
Company Series, will be denominated in foreign currencies. Changes in the
relative values of foreign currencies and the U.S. dollar, therefore, will
affect the value of investments of these Portfolios and Master Funds. These
Portfolios and Master Funds may purchase foreign currency futures contracts and
options thereon in order to hedge against changes in the level of foreign
currency exchange rates. Such contracts involve an agreement to purchase or sell
a specific currency at a future date at a price set in the contract and enable
the Portfolios and Master Funds to protect against losses resulting from adverse
changes in the relationship between the U.S. dollar and foreign currencies
occurring between the trade and settlement dates of Portfolio and Master Fund
securities transactions, but they also tend to limit the potential gains that
might result from a positive change in such currency relationships. Gains and
losses on investments in futures and options thereon depend on the direction of
interest rates and other economic factors.
 
   
INTRODUCTION OF THE EURO
    
 
   
    On January 1, 1999, The European Monetary Union ("EMU") will introduce a
common currency, the Euro, replacing its members' national currencies. This
development will affect the Portfolios investing directly or indirectly (through
Master Funds) in EMU countries to the extent it changes investment practices,
opportunities, risks and investor behavior or creates administrative problems.
The Advisor and its global custodians are attempting to assure that the
Portfolios and Master Funds will be unaffected by
    
 
                                       63
<PAGE>
   
any transition related disruptions. However, they cannot guarantee that their
efforts will succeed completely. The relative value of the U.S. dollar and Euro
will fluctuate. Accordingly, currency risk (discussed above) will continue to
apply to Portfolio and Master Fund investments in EMU countries.
    
 
BORROWING
 
    Each Portfolio and each corresponding Master Fund, except the U.S. 9-10 and
Japanese Small Company Portfolios, DFA One-Year Fixed Income Portfolio, DFA
Five-Year Government Portfolio and DFA Intermediate Government Fixed Income
Portfolio, have reserved the right to borrow amounts not exceeding 33% of its
net assets for the purposes of making redemption payments. When advantageous
opportunities to do so exist, each Portfolio and each Master Fund may purchase
securities when borrowings exceed 5% of the value of its net assets. Such
purchases can be considered to be "leveraging" and, in such circumstances, the
net asset value of the Portfolio or Master Fund may increase or decrease at a
greater rate than would be the case if the Portfolio or Master Fund had not
leveraged. The interest payable on the amount borrowed would increase the
Portfolio's or Master Fund's expenses and, if the appreciation and income
produced by the investments purchased when the Portfolio or Master Fund has
borrowed are less than the cost of borrowing, the investment performance of the
Portfolio will be reduced as a result of leveraging.
 
PORTFOLIO STRATEGIES
 
    The method employed by the Advisor to manage the Domestic and International
Equity Portfolios (except U.S. Large Company Portfolio, Enhanced U.S. Large
Company Portfolio and their corresponding Series) and, in respect of those that
are Feeder Portfolios, the corresponding Master Funds, will differ from the
process employed by many other investment advisors in that the Advisor will rely
on fundamental analysis of the investment merits of securities to a limited
extent to eliminate potential portfolio acquisitions rather than rely on this
technique to select securities. Further, because securities generally will be
held long-term and will not be eliminated based on short-term price
fluctuations, the Advisor generally will not act upon general market movements
or short-term price fluctuations of securities to as great an extent as many
other investment advisors. U.S. Large Company Series will operate as an index
fund and, therefore, represents a passive method of investing in all stocks that
comprise the S&P 500 Index, which does not entail selection of securities based
on the individual investment merits of their issuers. The investment performance
of the U.S. Large Company Series and the corresponding Portfolio is expected to
approximate the investment performance of the S&P 500 Index, which tends to be
cyclical in nature, reflecting periods when stock prices generally rise or fall.
 
FUTURES CONTRACTS AND OPTIONS ON FUTURES
 
   
    U.S. Large Company Series, Enhanced U.S. Large Company Series, Large Cap
International Portfolio, the Value Series, the Tax-Managed DFA International
Value Portfolio, DFA Real Estate Securities Portfolio, the International Value
Series, the Emerging Markets Series, the Emerging Markets Small Cap Series, the
DFA International Small Cap Value Portfolio and the Emerging Markets Value Fund
may invest in index futures contracts and options on index futures. To the
extent that such Master Funds or Portfolios invest in futures contracts and
options thereon for other than bona fide hedging purposes, no Master Fund or
Portfolio will enter into such transactions if, immediately thereafter, the sum
of the amount of initial margin deposits and premiums paid for open futures
options would exceed 5% of the Master Fund's or Portfolio's total assets, after
taking into account unrealized profits and unrealized losses on such contracts
it has entered into; provided, however, that, in the case of an option that is
in-the-money at the time of purchase, the in-the-money amount may be excluded in
calculating the 5%. Certain index futures contracts and options on index futures
may be considered to be derivative securities.
    
 
    These investments entail the risk that an imperfect correlation may exist
between changes in the market value of the stocks owned by the Portfolio or
Master Fund and the prices of such futures contracts
 
                                       64
<PAGE>
and options, and, at times, the market for such contracts and options might lack
liquidity, thereby inhibiting a Portfolio's or Master Fund's ability to close a
position in such investments. Gains or losses on investments in options and
futures depend on the direction of securities prices, interest rates and other
economic factors, and the loss from investing in futures transactions is
potentially unlimited. The Portfolio's and Master Fund's investment in futures
contracts and options are subject to special tax rules that may affect the
amount, timing and character of the income earned by the Portfolios and the
Master Funds, and the Portfolios' and the Master Funds' distributions to their
shareholders. (These special rules are discussed in the statement of additional
information.)
 
OPTIONS ON STOCK INDICES
 
    The Enhanced U.S. Large Company Series may purchase put and call options and
write put and call options on stock indices and stock index futures listed on
national securities exchanges or traded in the over-the-counter market. The
Enhanced U.S. Large Company Series may use these techniques to hedge against
changes in securities prices or as part of its overall investment strategy. An
option on an index is a contract that gives the holder of the option, in return
for a premium, the right to buy from (in the case of a call) or sell to (in the
case of a put) the writer of the option the cash value of the index at a
specified exercise price at any time during the term of the option. Upon
exercise, the writer of an option on an index is obligated to pay the difference
between the cash value of the index and the exercise price multiplied by the
specified multiplier for the index option. (An index is designed to reflect
specified facets of a particular financial or securities market, a specific
group of financial instruments or securities, or certain economic indicators.) A
stock index fluctuates with changes in the market values of the stocks included
in the index. Certain put and call options on stock indices and stock index
futures may be considered to be derivative securities.
 
    With respect to the writing of options, the writer has no control over the
time when it may be required to fulfill its obligation. Prior to exercise or
expiration, an option may be closed out by an offsetting purchase or sale of an
option on the same series. There can be no assurance, however, that a closing
purchase or sale transaction can be effected when the Enhanced U.S. Large
Company Series desires.
 
    The Enhanced U.S. Large Company Series may write covered straddles
consisting of a combination of a call and a put written on the same index. A
straddle will be covered when sufficient assets are deposited to meet the
Enhanced U.S. Large Company Series' immediate obligations. The Series may use
the same liquid assets to cover both the call and put options where the exercise
price of the call and the put are the same or the exercise price of the call is
higher than that of the put. In such cases, the Series will also segregate
liquid assets equivalent to the amount, if any, by which the put is "in the
money."
 
    The effectiveness of purchasing stock index options will depend upon the
extent to which price movements in the Enhanced U.S. Large Company Series'
portfolio correlate with price movements of the stock index selected. Because
the value of an index option depends upon movements in the level of the index
rather than the price of a particular stock, whether the Series will realize a
gain or loss from the purchase of options on an index depends upon movements in
the level of stock prices in the stock market generally or, in the case of
certain indices, in an industry or market segment, rather than movements in the
price of a particular stock. If the Enhanced U.S. Large Company Series takes
positions in options instruments contrary to prevailing market trends, the
Series could be exposed to the risk of a loss. Certain restrictions imposed on
the Enhanced U.S. Large Company Series by the Code may limit the ability of such
Series to invest in options.
 
SWAPS
 
    The Enhanced U.S. Large Company Series may enter into equity index swap
agreements for purposes of attempting to obtain a particular desired return at a
lower cost to the Series than if the Series had invested directly in an
instrument that yielded that desired return. Swap agreements are two-party
 
                                       65
<PAGE>
contracts entered into primarily by institutional investors for periods ranging
from a few weeks to more than one year. In a standard "swap" transaction, two
parties agree to exchange the returns (or differentials in rates of return)
earned or realized on particular predetermined investments or instruments. The
gross returns to be exchanged or "swapped" between the parties are generally
calculated with respect to a "notional amount," i.e., the return on or increase
in value of a particular dollar amount invested a group of securities
representing a particular index. Swap agreements are considered to be derivative
securities.
 
    The "notional amount" of the swap agreement is only a fictive basis on which
to calculate the obligations which the parties to a swap agreement have agreed
to exchange. Most swap agreements entered into by the Enhanced U.S. Large
Company Series would calculate the obligations of the parties to the agreement
on a "net basis." Consequently, the Series' current obligations (or rights)
under a swap agreement will generally be equal only to the net amount to be paid
or received under the agreement based on the relative values of the positions
held by each party to the agreement (the "net amount"). The Enhanced U.S. Large
Company Series' current obligations under a swap agreement will be accrued daily
(offset against amounts owed to the Series) and any accrued but unpaid net
amounts owed to a swap counterparty will be covered by the maintenance of a
segregated account consisting of liquid assets to avoid any potential leveraging
of the Series' portfolio. The Enhanced U.S. Large Company Series will not enter
into a swap agreement with any single party if the net amount owed or to be
received under existing contracts with that party would exceed 5% of the Series'
assets.
 
    Because they are two-party contracts and because they may have terms of
greater than seven days, swap agreements may be considered to be illiquid and,
therefore, swap agreements entered into by the Enhanced U.S. Large Company
Series and other illiquid securities will be limited to 15% of the net assets of
the Series. Moreover, the Enhanced U.S. Large Company Series bears the risk of
loss of the amount expected to be received under a swap agreement in the event
of the default or bankruptcy of a swap agreement counterparty. The Advisor will
cause the Enhanced U.S. Large Company Series to enter into swap agreements only
with counterparties that the Investment Committee of the Advisor has approved.
Certain restrictions imposed on the Enhanced U.S. Large Company Series by the
Code may limit the Series' ability to use swap agreements. The swap market is a
relatively new market and is largely unregulated. It is possible that
developments in the swaps market, including potential government regulation,
could adversely affect the Enhanced U.S. Large Company Series' ability to
terminate existing swap agreements or to realize amounts to be received under
such agreements.
 
BANKING INDUSTRY AND REAL ESTATE CONCENTRATIONS
 
    Concentrating in obligations of the banking industry may involve additional
risk by foregoing the safety of investing in a variety of industries. Changes in
the market's perception of the riskiness of banks relative to non-banks could
cause more fluctuations in the net asset value of the One-Year Fixed Income
Series and Two-Year Global Fixed Income Series (and, thus, DFA One-Year Fixed
Income Portfolio and DFA Two-Year Global Fixed Income Portfolio) than might
occur in less concentrated portfolios.
 
    The DFA Real Estate Securities Portfolio intends to concentrate its
investments in the real estate industry. Concentrating investments in the real
estate industry involves the risk of foregoing the safety of investing in a
variety of industries. Further, while the Portfolio will not invest in real
estate directly, but only in securities issued by real estate companies, the
Portfolio may be subject to certain risks that are similar to those associated
with the direct ownership of real estate in addition to securities markets
risks. These include declines in the value of real estate, risks related to
general and local economic conditions, heavy cash flow dependency, possible lack
of availability of mortgage funds, overbuilding, extended periods of high
vacancy rates, increases in property taxes and operating expenses, changes in
zoning laws, losses due to costs resulting from the clean-up of environmental
hazards, liability to third parties for damages resulting from environmental
hazards, casualty or condemnation losses, limitations on rents, and changes in
neighborhood values, interest rates and the credit quality of tenants. Also, in
deciding whether to purchase securities of a particular real estate company,
including REITS, the Advisor does not consider
 
                                       66
<PAGE>
the geographic location within the United States of the underlying assets of
such company. Therefore, to the extent that the Portfolio may become
substantially invested in real estate companies, including REITS, whose
underlying assets are located in one particular region of the United States and
subsequently a decline in real estate values occurs in that region, the value of
such real estate companies may be adversely affected and the Portfolio's net
asset value may in turn be similarly affected.
 
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS
 
    In addition, all of the Portfolios and the Master Funds may invest in
repurchase agreements. In the event of the bankruptcy of the other party to a
repurchase agreement, the Fund or a Master Fund could experience delay in
recovering the securities underlying such agreements. Management believes that
this risk can be controlled through stringent security selection criteria and
careful monitoring procedures.
 
   
YEAR 2000 ISSUE
    
 
   
    Unless modified, many computers will not properly process information from
the Year 2000 on. While the issue is international in scope, there is particular
concern with foreign entities. The Advisor has taken steps to ensure that its
computers and those of Portfolio and Master Fund service providers (e.g.,
custodians) will operate properly. The Portfolios and Master Funds may be
negatively affected if the Advisor's efforts prove inadequate, and/or Year 2000
problems hurt economic conditions generally.
    
 
                             MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND
 
    Dimensional Fund Advisors Inc. (the "Advisor") serves as investment advisor
to each of the Portfolios, except the Feeder Portfolios, and each Master Fund.
As such, the Advisor is responsible for the management of their respective
assets. Investment decisions for all Portfolios of the Fund and all Master Funds
are made by the Investment Committee of the Advisor which meets on a regular
basis and also as needed to consider investment issues. The Investment Committee
is composed of certain officers and directors of the Advisor who are elected
annually. The Advisor provides the Portfolios (except the Feeder Portfolios and
International Small Company Portfolio) and the Master Funds and Underlying
Series with a trading department and selects brokers and dealers to effect
securities transactions. Securities transactions are placed with a view to
obtaining best price and execution and, subject to this goal, may be placed with
brokers which have assisted in the sale of the Portfolios' shares.
 
    For the fiscal year ended November 30, 1997, (i) the Advisor (including a
sub-advisor in respect of DFA Real Estate Securities Portfolio) received a fee
for its services from the Fund or Master Funds which, on an annual basis,
equaled the following percentage of the average net assets of each Portfolio or,
in the case of a Feeder Portfolio, the average net assets of its corresponding
Master Fund; and (ii) the total expenses of each Portfolio were the following
percentages of respective average net assets:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        MANAGEMENT      TOTAL
PORTFOLIO                                                                  FEE         EXPENSES
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------
<S>                                                                    <C>           <C>
U.S. 9-10 Small Company(1)...........................................     0.50%            0.60%
U.S. 6-10 Small Company..............................................     0.03%            0.45%
U.S. Large Company(2)................................................     0.025%           0.15%
Enhanced U.S. Large Company(3).......................................     0.05%            0.52%
U.S. 6-10 Value......................................................     0.20%            0.60%
U.S. Large Cap Value.................................................     0.10%            0.35%
DFA Real Estate Securities(4)........................................     0.30%            0.48%
Japanese Small Company(5)............................................     0.10%            0.73%
Pacific Rim Small Company(5).........................................     0.10%            0.84%
United Kingdom Small Company(5)......................................     0.10%            0.70%
Continental Small Company(5).........................................     0.10%            0.72%
</TABLE>
 
                                       67
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        MANAGEMENT      TOTAL
PORTFOLIO                                                                  FEE         EXPENSES
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------
<S>                                                                    <C>           <C>
International Small Company(6).......................................     0.10%            0.75%
Emerging Markets.....................................................     0.10%            0.99%
Large Cap International..............................................     0.25%            0.47%
RWB/DFA International High Book to Market............................     0.20%            0.50%
DFA International Small Cap Value....................................     0.65%            0.90%
DFA One-Year Fixed Income............................................     0.05%            0.22%
DFA Five-Year Government.............................................     0.20%            0.29%
DFA Five-Year Global Fixed Income....................................     0.25%            0.42%
DFA Intermediate Government Fixed Income.............................     0.15%            0.25%
DFA Two-Year Global Fixed Income.....................................     0.05%            0.34%
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
 
(1) Prior to November 30, 1997, the U.S. 9-10 Small Company Portfolio invested
    its assets directly in stocks of small companies. Prior to November 30,
    1997, the Fund, on behalf of the Portfolio, had an investment management
    agreement with the Advisor; the percentage in the above table reflects the
    management fee as a percentage of average net assets paid by the Portfolio
    to the Advisor for the fiscal year ended November 30, 1997.
 
(2) For the fiscal year ended November 30, 1997, pursuant to the terms of the
    current administration agreement between U.S. Large Company Portfolio and
    the Advisor, the Advisor agreed to waive a portion of its administration fee
    and/or assume the expenses of the Portfolio to the extent (1) necessary to
    pay the ordinary operating expenses of the Portfolio (except the
    administration fee); and (2) that the indirect expenses the Portfolio bears
    as a shareholder of the Series, on an annual basis, exceed 0.025% of the
    Portfolio's average net assets. Beginning August 9, 1996, in addition to the
    waiver/assumption effective on December 1, 1995, the Advisor agreed to
    assume expenses or waive the fee payable by the U.S. Large Company Portfolio
    under the administration agreement by an additional .09% of average assets
    on an annual basis. Absent this arrangement, the annualized ratio of total
    operating expenses to average net assets for U.S. Large Company Portfolio
    for the fiscal year ended November 30, 1997, was 0.35%.
 
(3) Effective August 1, 1997, the Advisor has agreed to waive its fee under the
    administration agreement to the extent necessary to reduce the direct and
    indirect cumulative annual expenses of the Enhanced U.S. Large Company
    Portfolio to not more than 0.45% of average net assets of the Portfolio on
    an annualized basis; the Portfolio's direct and indirect cumulative annual
    expenses may exceed 0.45% of its average net assets on an annualized basis
    notwithstanding this fee waiver. This arrangement does not extend to the
    fees of the Enhanced U.S. Large Company Series of the Trust. Absent this
    arrangement, the annualized ratio of total operating expenses to average net
    assets for the Enhanced U.S. Large Company Portfolio for the fiscal year
    ended November 30, 1997, was 0.54%.
 
(4) Effective December 20, 1996, the investment advisory fee payable by the Fund
    on behalf of the DFA Real Estate Securities Portfolio to the Advisor was
    reduced from .325% to .30% of the average net assets of the Portfolio on an
    annual basis. Effective December 11, 1996, the sub-advisory agreement
    between the Fund, on behalf of the Portfolio, and AEW terminated; pursuant
    to the terms of the sub-advisory agreement, the Portfolio paid AEW a fee
    equal to .175% of its average net assets on an annual basis.
 
(5) Effective August 9, 1996, the Advisor agreed to waive its administration fee
    and assume the direct expenses of the Japanese Small Company, United Kingdom
    Small Company, Continental Small Company and Pacific Rim Small Company
    Portfolios to the extent necessary to keep the direct annual expenses of
    each Portfolio to not more than 0.47% of average net assets of the Portfolio
    on an annualized basis; this arrangement does not extend to the fees and
    expenses of the Trust Series. For
 
                                       68
<PAGE>
    the fiscal year ended November 30, 1997, the Advisor was not required to
    waive any portion of its fee pursuant to such agreement.
 
(6) The Advisor provides asset allocation advice with respect to the Underlying
    Series to the International Small Company Portfolio without charge pursuant
    to a written agreement. The investment management fees applicable to each
    Underlying Series are equal to 0.10% of the average net assets of the Series
    on an annual basis. The International Small Company Portfolio, as a
    shareholder of each Underlying Series, benefits from the investment
    management services provided by the Advisor to each of the Underlying
    Series, and indirectly bears its proportionate share of the investment
    management fees paid by such Series. The Advisor has agreed to waive its
    administration fee and assume the direct expenses of the International Small
    Company Portfolio to the extent necessary to keep the administration fee and
    direct annual expenses of the Portfolio to not more than 0.45% of average
    net assets of the Portfolio on an annualized basis; this arrangement does
    not extend to the fees and expenses of the Underlying Series. For the fiscal
    year ended November 30, 1997, the Advisor was not required to waive any
    portion of its fee pursuant to such agreement.
 
    For purposes of waivers and/or expense assumptions, the annual expenses are
those expenses incurred in any period consisting of twelve consecutive months.
The Advisor retains the right in its sole discretion to modify or eliminate the
waiver of a portion of its fees or assumption of expenses in the future.
 
   
    With respect to the Emerging Markets Small Cap Portfolio, U.S. 4-10 Value
Portfolio, Emerging Markets Value Portfolio and the Tax-Managed Portfolios and
Series, the investment management fees which the Portfolios and, with respect to
the Feeder Portfolios, the corresponding Master Funds are obligated to pay,
calculated as a percentage of the average net assets on an annual basis, are:
Emerging Markets Small Cap Series--.20%, U.S. 4-10 Value Series--.10%, Emerging
Markets Value Fund--.10%, Tax-Managed U.S. 6-10 Small Company Portfolio--.50%,
Tax-Managed U.S. 5-10 Value Portfolio--.50%, Tax-Managed Marketwide
Series--.20%, and Tax-Managed DFA International Value Portfolio--.50%.
    
 
    The Fund and the Master Funds bear all of their own costs and expenses,
including: services of their independent accountants, legal counsel, brokerage
fees, commissions and transfer taxes in connection with the acquisition and
disposition of portfolio securities, taxes, insurance premiums, costs incidental
to meetings of their shareholders and directors or trustees, the cost of filing
their registration statements under the federal securities laws and the cost of
any filings required under state securities laws, reports to shareholders, and
transfer and dividend disbursing agency, administrative services and custodian
fees, except as described above with respect to the U.S. Large Company
Portfolio. Expenses allocable to a particular Portfolio or Series are so
allocated. The expenses of the Fund which are not allocable to a particular
Portfolio are to be borne by each Portfolio on the basis of its relative net
assets. Similarly, the expenses of the Trust which are not allocable to a
particular Series are to be borne by each Series on the basis of its relative
net assets.
 
    The Advisor was organized in May 1981 and is engaged in the business of
providing investment management services to institutional investors. Assets
under management total approximately $27 billion. David G. Booth and Rex A.
Sinquefield, directors and officers of the Fund, the Emerging Markets Value Fund
and the Advisor, trustees and officers of the Trust, and shareholders of the
Advisor's outstanding stock, may be deemed controlling persons of the Advisor.
The Advisor owns 100% of the outstanding shares of Dimensional Fund Advisors
Ltd. ("DFAL") (see "Investment Services--United Kingdom and Continental Small
Company Series") and beneficially owns 100% of DFA Australia Limited ("DFA
Australia") (see "Investment Services--Japanese and Pacific Rim Small Company
Series").
 
INVESTMENT SERVICES--UNITED KINGDOM AND CONTINENTAL SMALL COMPANY SERIES
 
    Pursuant to Sub-Advisory Agreements with the Advisor, DFAL, 14 Berkeley
Street, London, W1X 5AD, England, a company that is organized under the laws of
England, has the authority and responsibility to select brokers or dealers to
execute securities transactions for United Kingdom and
 
                                       69
<PAGE>
Continental Small Company Series. DFAL's duties include the maintenance of a
trading desk for the Series and the determination of the best and most efficient
means of executing securities transactions. On at least a semi-annual basis the
Advisor reviews the holdings of United Kingdom and Continental Small Company
Series and reviews the trading process and the execution of securities
transactions. The Advisor is responsible for determining those securities which
are eligible for purchase and sale by these Series and may delegate this task,
subject to its own review, to DFAL. DFAL maintains and furnishes to the Advisor
information and reports on United Kingdom and European small companies,
including its recommendations of securities to be added to the securities that
are eligible for purchase by the Series. The Advisor pays DFAL quarterly fees of
12,500 pounds sterling for services to each Series. DFAL is a member of the
Investment Management Regulatory Organization Limited ("IMRO"), a self
regulatory organization for investment managers operating under the laws of
England.
 
INVESTMENT SERVICES--JAPANESE AND PACIFIC RIM SMALL COMPANY SERIES
 
    Pursuant to Sub-Advisory Agreements with the Advisor, DFA Australia, Suite
4403 Gateway, 1 MacQuarie Place, Sydney, New South Wales 2000, Australia, the
successor to Dimensional Fund Advisors Asia Inc., has the authority and
responsibility to select brokers and dealers to execute securities transactions
for Japanese and Pacific Rim Small Company Series. DFA Australia's duties
include the maintenance of a trading desk for each Series and the determination
of the best and most efficient means of executing securities transactions. On at
least a semi-annual basis, the Advisor reviews the holdings of Japanese and
Pacific Rim Small Company Series and reviews the trading process and the
execution of securities transactions. The Advisor is responsible for determining
those securities which are eligible for purchase and sale by these Series and
may delegate this task, subject to its own review, to DFA Australia. DFA
Australia maintains and furnishes to the Advisor information and reports on
Japanese and Pacific Rim small companies, including its recommendations of
securities to be added to the securities that are eligible for purchase by each
Series. The Advisor pays DFA Australia $13,000 per year for the sub-advisory
services that DFA Australia provides to the Advisor with respect to the Japanese
and Pacific Rim Small Company Series.
 
   
CONSULTING SERVICES--DFA INTERNATIONAL SMALL CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO, LARGE CAP
INTERNATIONAL PORTFOLIO, DFA INTERNATIONAL VALUE SERIES, TAX-MANAGED DFA
INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO, EMERGING MARKETS SERIES, EMERGING MARKETS SMALL
CAP SERIES AND DIMENSIONAL EMERGING MARKETS VALUE FUND
    
 
   
    The Advisor has entered into a Consulting Services Agreement with DFAL and
DFA Australia, respectively. Pursuant to the terms of each Consulting Services
Agreement, DFAL and DFA Australia provide certain trading and administrative
services to the Advisor with respect to DFA International Small Cap Value
Portfolio, Large Cap International Portfolio, DFA International Value Series,
Tax-Managed DFA International Value Portfolio, Emerging Markets Series, Emerging
Markets Small Cap Series and Emerging Markets Value Fund.
    
 
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES--THE FEEDER PORTFOLIOS AND INTERNATIONAL SMALL COMPANY
  PORTFOLIO
 
    The Fund has entered into an administration agreement with the Advisor, on
behalf of each Feeder Portfolio and International Small Company Portfolio.
Pursuant to each administration agreement, the Advisor performs various
services, including: supervision of the services provided by the Portfolio's
custodian and transfer and dividend disbursing agent and others who provide
services to the Fund for the benefit of the Portfolio; providing shareholders
with information about the Portfolio and their investments as they or the Fund
may request; assisting the Portfolio in conducting meetings of shareholders;
furnishing information as the Board of Directors may require regarding the
Master Fund; and any other administrative services for the benefit of the
Portfolio as the Board of Directors may reasonably request. For its
 
                                       70
<PAGE>
administrative services, the Feeder Portfolios and International Small Company
Portfolio are obligated to pay the Advisor a monthly fee equal to one-twelfth of
the percentages listed below:
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                     <C>
U.S. 6-10 Small Company...............................................        .32%
U.S. 9-10 Small Company...............................................        .40%
U.S. Large Company....................................................       .125%(a)
Enhanced U.S. Large Company...........................................        .15%(b)
U.S. 4-10 Value.......................................................        .40%
U.S. 6-10 Value.......................................................        .30%
U.S. Large Cap Value..................................................        .15%
Tax-Managed U.S. Marketwide Value.....................................        .15%
RWB/DFA International High Book to Market.............................        .01%
Japanese Small Company................................................        .40%(c)
Pacific Rim Small Company.............................................        .40%(c)
United Kingdom Small Company..........................................        .40%(c)
Continental Small Company.............................................        .40%(c)
International Small Company...........................................        .40%(d)
Emerging Markets......................................................        .40%
Emerging Markets Small Cap............................................        .45%
Emerging Markets Value................................................        .40%
DFA One-Year Fixed Income.............................................        .10%
DFA Two-Year Global Fixed Income......................................        .10%
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------------------
 
 (a) Pursuant to the terms of the administration agreement between U.S. Large
     Company Portfolio and the Advisor, the Advisor has agreed to waive a
     portion of its administration fee and/or assume the expenses of the
     Portfolio to the extent (1) necessary to pay the ordinary operating
     expenses of the Portfolio (except the administration fee); and (2) that the
     direct expenses the Portfolio bears as a shareholder of the Series, on an
     annual basis, exceeds 0.025% of the Portfolio's average net assets.
     Beginning August 9, 1996, in addition to the waiver/assumption effective on
     December 1, 1995, the Advisor has agreed to assume expenses or waive the
     fee payable by the U.S. Large Company Portfolio under the administration
     agreement by an additional .09% of average assets on an annual basis. The
     above fees reflect that waiver.
 
 (b) Effective August 1, 1997, the Advisor has agreed to waive its
     administration fee to the extent necessary to reduce the direct and
     indirect cumulative annual expenses of the Enhanced U.S. Large Company
     Portfolio to not more than 0.45% of average net assets of the Portfolio on
     an annualized basis.
 
 (c) Effective August 9, 1996, the Advisor has agreed to waive its
     administration fee and assume the direct expenses of the Japanese Small
     Company, United Kingdom Small Company, Continental Small Company and
     Pacific Rim Small Company Portfolios to the extent necessary to keep the
     direct annual expenses of each Portfolio to not more than 0.47% of average
     net assets of the Portfolio on an annualized basis; this arrangement does
     not extend to the fees and expenses of the Trust Series.
 
 (d) The Advisor has agreed to waive its administration fee and assume the
     direct expenses of the International Small Company Portfolio to the extent
     necessary to keep the administration fee and direct annual expenses of the
     Portfolio to not more than 0.45% of average net assets of the Portfolio on
     an annualized basis.
 
                                       71
<PAGE>
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES--ALL PORTFOLIOS
 
    PFPC Inc. ("PFPC" or the "Transfer Agent") serves as the administrative and
accounting services, dividend disbursing and transfer agent for all Fund
Portfolios and Master Funds. The services provided by PFPC are subject to
supervision by the executive officers and the Board of Directors of the Fund and
include administrative services such as day-to-day keeping and maintenance of
certain records, calculation of the offering price of the shares, preparation of
reports, liaison with its custodians, and transfer and dividend disbursing
agency services.
 
CLIENT SERVICE AGENT--RWB/DFA INTERNATIONAL HIGH BOOK TO MARKET PORTFOLIO
 
    Pursuant to a Client Service Agent Agreement, Reinhardt Werba Bowen Advisory
Services, San Jose, CA ("RWBAS") performs various services for the RWB/DFA
International High Book to Market Portfolio, including: establishment of a
toll-free telephone number for shareholders of the Portfolio to use to obtain or
receive up-to-date account information; providing to shareholders quarterly
reports with respect to the performance of the Portfolio; and providing
shareholders with such information regarding the operation and affairs of the
Portfolio, and their investment in its shares, as the shareholders or the Board
of Directors may reasonably request. For its services, the Portfolio pays RWBAS
a monthly fee which, on an annual basis, equals .13% of the average daily net
assets of the Portfolio.
 
DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
 
    The Board of Directors is responsible for establishing Fund policies and for
overseeing the management of the Fund. Each of the Directors and officers of the
Fund is also a Trustee and officer of the Trust and a Director and officer of
the Emerging Markets Value Fund. The Directors of the Fund, including all of the
disinterested directors, have adopted written procedures to monitor potential
conflicts of interest that might develop between the Feeder Portfolios and the
Master Funds. Information as to the Directors and officers of the Fund and the
Emerging Markets Value Fund and the Trustees and officers of the Trust is set
forth in the statement of additional information under "Directors and Officers."
 
                DIVIDENDS, CAPITAL GAINS DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
 
   
    Each Portfolio of the Fund intends to qualify each year as a regulated
investment company under the Code so that it will not be liable for U.S. federal
income taxes to the extent that its net investment income and net realized
capital gains are distributed. The policy of the Domestic and International
Equity Portfolios, except U.S. Large Company Portfolio, Enhanced U.S. Large
Company Portfolio, U.S. Large Cap Value Portfolio and Tax-Managed U.S.
Marketwide Value Portfolio, is to distribute substantially all of their net
investment income together with any net realized capital gains in December of
each year. Dividends from net investment income of U.S. Large Company Portfolio,
Enhanced U.S. Large Company Portfolio, U.S. Large Cap Value Portfolio and
Tax-Managed U.S. Marketwide Value Portfolio are distributed quarterly and any
net realized capital gains are distributed annually after November 30. Net
investment income, which is accrued daily, will be distributed monthly (except
for January) by DFA One-Year Fixed Income Portfolio, quarterly by DFA
Intermediate Government Fixed Income, DFA Two-Year Global Fixed Income and DFA
Five-Year Global Fixed Income Portfolios, and semi-annually by DFA Five-Year
Government Portfolio. Any net realized capital gains of Fixed Income Portfolios
will be distributed annually after the end of the fiscal year. Each Portfolio of
the Fund is treated as a separate corporation for U.S federal tax purposes.
    
 
   
    Shareholders of each of the Portfolios will automatically receive all income
dividends and capital gains distributions in additional shares of the Portfolio
whose shares they hold at net asset value (as of the business date following the
dividend record date), unless as to U.S. 9-10 Small Company Portfolio,
U.S. 6-10 Small Company Portfolio, Tax-Managed U.S. 6-10 Small Company
Portfolio, the Fixed Income Portfolios, DFA Real Estate Securities Portfolio,
U.S. Large Company Portfolio, and the Value Portfolios
    
 
                                       72
<PAGE>
upon written notice to PFPC, the shareholder selects one of the options listed
below. While shareholders of the Enhanced U.S. Large Company Portfolio will
automatically receive all capital gains distributions in additional shares of
the Portfolio, upon written notice to PFPC, they may receive all income
dividends in cash.
 
    Income Option--to receive income dividends in cash and capital gains
distributions in additional shares at net asset value.
 
    Capital Gains Option--to receive capital gains distributions in cash and
income dividends in additional shares at net asset value.
 
    Cash Option--to receive both income dividends and capital gains
distributions in cash.
 
    U.S. 6-10 Small Company, Enhanced U.S. Large Company, DFA One-Year Fixed
Income, DFA Two-Year Global Fixed Income, U.S. 9-10 Small Company, U.S. 4-10
Value, U.S. 6-10 Value, U.S. Large Cap Value, RWB/DFA International High Book to
Market and Emerging Markets Value Portfolios (collectively, the "Corporate
Feeder Portfolios") seek to achieve their investment objectives by investing all
of their investable assets in a corresponding Master Fund (collectively, the
"Corporate Master Funds"). The Corporate Master Funds intend to qualify each
year as regulated investment companies under the Code.
 
    A Corporate Feeder Portfolio receives income in the form of income dividends
paid by the corresponding Corporate Master Fund. This income, less the expenses
incurred in operations, is a Corporate Feeder Portfolio's net investment income
from which income dividends are distributed as described above. A Corporate
Feeder Portfolio also may receive capital gains distributions from the
corresponding Corporate Master Fund and may realize capital gains upon the
redemption of the shares of the corresponding Corporate Master Fund. Any net
realized capital gains of a Corporate Feeder Portfolio will be distributed as
described above.
 
   
    The U.S. Large Company, Tax-Managed U.S. Marketwide Value, Emerging Markets,
Emerging Markets Small Cap, Japanese Small Company, Pacific Rim Small Company,
United Kingdom Small Company, Continental Small Company and International Small
Company Portfolios ("Partnership Feeder Portfolios"), seek to achieve their
investment objectives by investing all of their investable assets in a
corresponding Series of shares of the Trust or, in the case of International
Small Company Portfolio, the Underlying Series (collectively, the "Partnership
Series"). Each Partnership Series is classified as a partnership for U.S.
federal income tax purposes. A Partnership Feeder Portfolio is allocated its
proportionate share of the income and realized and unrealized gains and losses
of its corresponding Partnership Series.
    
 
    If a Portfolio, except for the Corporate and Partnership Feeder Portfolios,
purchases shares in certain foreign investment entities, called "passive foreign
investment companies" ("PFIC"), such Portfolio may be subject to U.S. federal
income tax and a related interest charge on a portion of any "excess
distribution" or gain from the disposition of such shares even if such income is
distributed as a taxable dividend by the Portfolio to its shareholders. In the
case of a Corporate Feeder Portfolio, if the corresponding Master Fund purchases
shares in PFICs, such Master Fund may be subject to U.S. federal income tax and
a related interest charge on a portion of any "excess distribution" or gain from
the disposition of such shares even if such income is distributed as a taxable
dividend by the Master Fund to the Corporate Feeder Portfolio. In the case of a
Partnership Feeder Portfolio, if the corresponding Partnership Series purchases
shares in PFICs, the Partnership Feeder Portfolio may be subject to U.S. federal
income tax and a related interest charge on a portion of any "excess
distribution" or gain from the disposition of such shares.
 
    The Portfolios (or, in the case of a Corporate or Partnership Feeder
Portfolio or International Small Company Portfolio, the corresponding Master
Funds) may be subject to foreign withholding taxes on income from certain of
their foreign securities. If more than 50% in value of the total assets of a
Portfolio, or in the case of a Partnership Feeder Portfolio (but not a Corporate
Feeder Portfolio) its corresponding Master Fund, are invested in securities of
foreign corporations, such Portfolio may elect to pass-through to
 
                                       73
<PAGE>
its shareholders their pro rata share of foreign income taxes paid by such
Portfolio. If this election is made, shareholders will be required to include in
their gross income their pro rata share of foreign taxes paid by the Portfolio.
However, shareholders will be entitled to either deduct (as an itemized
deduction in the case of individuals) their share of such foreign taxes in
computing their taxable income or to claim a credit for such taxes against their
U.S. federal income tax, subject to certain limitations under the Code.
 
    The Enhanced U.S. Large Company Series' investment in index derivatives are
subject to complex tax rules which may have the effect of accelerating income or
converting, in part, what otherwise would have been long-term capital gain into
short-term capital gain. These rules may affect the amount, character and timing
of income distributed to shareholders of the Enhanced U.S. Large Company
Portfolio.
 
   
    Since virtually all the net investment income from the Fixed Income
Portfolios is expected to arise from earned interest, it is not expected that
any of those Portfolios' distributions will be eligible for the dividends
received deduction for corporations. Similarly, it is anticipated that either
none or only a small portion of the distributions made by the International
Equity Portfolios will qualify for the corporate dividends received deduction
because of such Portfolios' investment in foreign equity securities. In the case
of the other Portfolios, dividends from net investment income will generally
qualify in part for the corporate dividends received deduction, but the portion
of dividends so qualified depends on the aggregate qualifying dividend income
received by the Portfolio from domestic (U.S.) sources. The Tax-Managed
Portfolios and Series may time investments to minimize the receipt of dividends.
These actions could result in the Tax-Managed Portfolios or Series being unable
to flow through the dividends received deduction to corporate shareholders. This
will occur if the Tax-Managed Portfolios and Series do not hold the stock of a
domestic (U.S.) corporation for the requisite holding period to be eligible for
pass-through of the dividends received deduction.
    
 
   
    The Advisor seeks to manage each Tax-Managed Portfolio or Series in order to
minimize the realization of net capital gains where possible and may minimize
taxable dividend distributions during a particular year. However, the
realization of capital gains and receipt of income is not entirely within the
Advisor's control. Thus, capital gains distributions may vary considerably from
year to year. There will be no capital gains distributions in years when a
Tax-Managed Portfolio or Series realizes net capital losses. Furthermore, the
realization of capital gains by a shareholder on the sale of portfolio shares
will depend on whether his or her redemption price exceeds his or her tax basis
in the shares sold. In the situation where a dividend option is available, if a
shareholder elects to receive capital gains distributions in cash, instead of
reinvesting them in additional shares, the capital at work in a Tax-Managed
Portfolio or Series will be reduced. Also, purchases of shares in a Tax-Managed
Portfolio or Series shortly before the record date for a dividend or capital
gains distribution may cause a portion of the investment to be returned to the
shareholder as a taxable distribution, regardless of whether the distribution is
being reinvested or paid in cash.
    
 
    Whether paid in cash or additional shares and regardless of the length of
time a Portfolio's shares have been owned by shareholders who are subject to
U.S. federal income taxes, distributions from long-term capital gains are
taxable as such. Dividends from net investment income or net short-term capital
gains will be taxable as ordinary income, whether received in cash or in
additional shares. For those investors subject to tax, if purchases of shares of
a Portfolio are made shortly before the record date for a dividend or capital
gains distribution, a portion of the investment will be returned as a taxable
distribution. Shareholders are notified annually by the Fund as to the U.S.
federal tax status of dividends and distributions paid by the Portfolio whose
shares they own.
 
    Dividends which are declared in October, November or December to
shareholders of record in such a month, but which, for operational reasons, may
not be paid to the shareholder until the following January, will be treated for
U.S. federal income tax purposes as if paid by the Portfolio and received by the
shareholder on December 31 of the calendar year in which they are declared.
 
                                       74
<PAGE>
    The sale of shares of a Portfolio is a taxable event and may result in a
capital gain or loss to shareholders subject to tax. Capital gain or loss may be
realized from an ordinary redemption of shares or an exchange of shares between
two Portfolios of the Fund. Any loss incurred on sale or exchange of a
Portfolio's shares, held for six months or less, will be treated as a long-term
capital loss to the extent of capital gain dividends received with respect to
such shares.
 
    In addition to federal taxes, shareholders may be subject to state and local
taxes on distributions. Distributions of interest income and capital gains
realized from certain types of U.S. government securities may be exempt from
state personal income taxes.
 
    A Portfolio is required to withhold 31% of taxable dividends, capital gains
distributions, and redemptions paid to shareholders who have not complied with
IRS taxpayer identification regulations. You may avoid this withholding
requirement by certifying on the account registration form your proper Taxpayer
Identification Number and by certifying that you are not subject to backup
withholding.
 
    The tax discussion set forth above is included for general information only.
Prospective investors should consult their own tax advisers concerning the
federal, state, local or foreign tax consequences of an investment in a
Portfolio.
 
                               PURCHASE OF SHARES
 
    Investors may purchase shares of any Portfolio by first contacting the
Advisor at (310) 395-8005 to notify the Advisor of the proposed investment. All
investments are subject to approval of the Advisor, and all investors must
complete and submit the necessary account registration forms. The Fund reserves
the right to reject any initial or additional investment and to suspend the
offering of shares of any Portfolio.
 
    Only clients of RWBAS are eligible to purchase shares of the RWB/DFA
International High Book to Market Portfolio, and any such person should first
contact RWBAS at (800) 366-7266, ext. 124, to notify RWBAS of the proposed
investment.
 
   
    Investors having an account with a bank that is a member or a correspondent
of a member of the Federal Reserve System may purchase shares by first calling
the Advisor at (310) 395-8005 to notify the Advisor of the proposed investment,
then requesting the bank to transmit immediately available funds (Federal Funds)
by wire to the appropriate custodian, for the Account of DFA Investment
Dimensions Group Inc. (specify Portfolio). Additional investments also may be
made through the wire procedure by first notifying the Advisor. Investors who
wish to purchase shares of any Portfolio by check should send their check to DFA
Investment Dimensions Group Inc., c/o PFPC Inc., 400 Bellevue Parkway,
Wilmington, Delaware 19809.
    
 
    Shares may also be purchased and sold by individuals through securities
firms which may charge a service fee or commission for such transactions. No
such fee or commission is charged on shares which are purchased or redeemed
directly from the Fund. Investors who are clients of investment advisory
organizations may also be subject to investment advisory fees under their own
arrangements with such organizations.
 
IN KIND PURCHASES
 
    If accepted by the Fund, shares of the Portfolios may be purchased in
exchange for securities which are eligible for acquisition by the Portfolios (or
their corresponding Master Funds) or otherwise represented in their portfolios
as described in this prospectus or in exchange for local currencies in which
such securities of the International Equity Portfolios, the International Value
Series, Enhanced U.S. Large Company Series, DFA Two-Year Global Fixed Income
Series and DFA Five-Year Global Fixed Income Portfolio are denominated.
Purchases in exchange for securities will not be subject to a reimbursement fee.
Securities and local currencies to be exchanged which are accepted by the Fund
and Fund shares to be issued therefore will be valued as set forth under
"VALUATION OF SHARES" at the time of the next
 
                                       75
<PAGE>
determination of net asset value after such acceptance. All dividends, interest,
subscription, or other rights pertaining to such securities shall become the
property of the Portfolio whose shares are being acquired and must be delivered
to the Fund by the investor upon receipt from the issuer. Investors who desire
to purchase shares of the International Equity Portfolios, DFA Two-Year Global
Fixed Income Portfolio or DFA Five-Year Global Fixed Income Portfolio with local
currencies should first contact the Advisor for wire instructions.
 
    The Fund will not accept securities in exchange for shares of a Portfolio
unless: (1) such securities are, at the time of the exchange, eligible to be
included, or otherwise represented, in the Portfolio whose shares are to be
issued (or in its corresponding Master Fund) and current market quotations are
readily available for such securities; (2) the investor represents and agrees
that all securities offered to be exchanged are not subject to any restrictions
upon their sale by the Portfolio under the Securities Act of 1933 or under the
laws of the country in which the principal market for such securities exists, or
otherwise; and (3) at the discretion of the Fund, the value of any such security
(except U.S. Government securities) being exchanged together with other
securities of the same issuer owned by the Portfolio or Master Fund may not
exceed 5% of the net assets of the Portfolio or Master Fund immediately after
the transaction, however, this last limitation does not apply to DFA Five-Year
Global Fixed Income Portfolio or the International Small Company Portfolio. The
Fund will accept such securities for investment and not for resale.
 
    A gain or loss for federal income tax purposes will generally be realized by
investors who are subject to federal taxation upon the exchange depending upon
the cost of the securities or local currency exchanged. Investors interested in
such exchanges should contact the Advisor. Purchases of shares will be made in
full and fractional shares calculated to three decimal places. In the interest
of economy and convenience, certificates for shares will not be issued.
 
                              VALUATION OF SHARES
 
   
    The net asset value per share of each Portfolio and corresponding Master
Fund is calculated as of the close of the NYSE by dividing the total market
value of the Portfolio's investments and other assets, less any liabilities, by
the total outstanding shares of the stock of the Portfolio or Master Fund. The
value of the shares of each Portfolio will fluctuate in relation to its own
investment experience. The value of the shares of the Feeder Portfolios and
International Small Company Portfolio will fluctuate in relation to the
investment experience of the Master Funds or Underlying Series in which such
Portfolios invest. Securities held by the Portfolios and Master Funds which are
listed on a securities exchange and for which market quotations are available
are valued at the last quoted sale price of the day or, if there is no such
reported sale, the 9-10 Series, the 6-10 Series, Tax-Managed U.S. 6-10 Small
Company, the U.S. Large Company Series, DFA Real Estate Securities Portfolio,
the Value Series, Emerging Markets Series, Emerging Markets Small Cap Series and
Emerging Markets Value Fund value such securities at the mean between the most
recent quoted bid and asked prices. Price information on listed securities is
taken from the exchange where the security is primarily traded. Securities
issued by open-end investment companies, such as the Master Funds, are valued
using their respective net asset values for purchase orders placed at the close
of the NYSE. Unlisted securities for which market quotations are readily
available are valued at the mean between the most recent bid and asked prices.
The value of other assets and securities for which no quotations are readily
available (including restricted securities) are determined in good faith at fair
value in accordance with procedures adopted by the Board of Directors. The net
asset values per share of the International Equity Portfolios (in respect of
those Portfolios that are Feeder Portfolios and International Small Company
Portfolio, the Master Funds or Underlying Series), the International Value
Series, Two-Year Global Fixed Income Series and DFA Five-Year Global Fixed
Income Portfolio are expressed in U.S. dollars by translating the net assets of
each Portfolio, Master Fund or Underlying Series using the bid price for the
dollar as quoted by generally recognized reliable sources.
    
 
    Provided that the Transfer Agent has received the investor's Account
Registration Form in good order and the custodian has received the investor's
payment, shares of the Portfolio selected will be priced at the
 
                                       76
<PAGE>
public offering price calculated next after receipt of the investor's funds by
the custodian. The Transfer Agent or the Fund may from time to time appoint a
sub-transfer agent for the receipt of purchase orders and funds from certain
investors. With respect to such investors, the shares of the Portfolio selected
will be priced at the public offering price calculated after receipt of the
purchase order by the sub-transfer agent. The only difference between a normal
purchase and a purchase through a sub-transfer agent is that if the investor
buys shares through a sub-transfer agent, the purchase price will be the public
offering price next calculated after the sub-transfer agent receives the order,
rather than on the day the custodian receives the investor's payment (provided
that the Transfer Agent has received the investor's purchase order in good
order). "Good order" with respect to the purchase of shares means that (1) a
fully completed and properly signed Account Registration Form and any additional
supporting legal documentation required by the Advisor has been received in
legible form and (2) the Advisor has been notified of the purchase by telephone
and, if the Advisor so requests, also in writing, no later than the close of
regular trading on the NYSE (ordinarily 1:00 p.m. PST) on the day of the
purchase. If an order to purchase shares must be canceled due to non-payment,
the purchaser will be responsible for any loss incurred by the Fund arising out
of such cancellation. To recover any such loss, the Fund reserves the right to
redeem shares owned by any purchaser whose order is canceled, and such purchaser
may be prohibited or restricted in the manner of placing further orders.
 
    The value of the shares of the Fixed Income Portfolios, the One-Year Fixed
Income Series and Two-Year Global Fixed Income Series will tend to fluctuate
with interest rates because, unlike money market funds, these Portfolios and the
Series do not seek to stabilize the value of their respective shares by use of
the "amortized cost" method of asset valuation. Net asset value includes
interest on fixed income securities which is accrued daily. Securities which are
traded OTC and on a stock exchange will be valued according to the broadest and
most representative market, and it is expected that for bonds and other
fixed-income securities this ordinarily will be the OTC market. Securities held
by the Fixed Income Portfolios, the One-Year Fixed Income Series and Two-Year
Global Fixed Income Series may be valued on the basis of prices provided by a
pricing service when such prices are believed to reflect the current market
value of such securities. Other assets and securities for which quotations are
not readily available will be valued in good faith at fair value using methods
determined by the Board of Directors.
 
    Generally, trading in foreign securities markets is completed each day at
various times prior to the close of the NYSE. The values of foreign securities
held by those Portfolios and Master Funds that invest in such securities are
determined as of such times for the purpose of computing the net asset values of
the Portfolios and Master Funds. If events which materially affect the value of
the investments of a Portfolio or Master Fund occur subsequent to the close of
the securities market on which such securities are primarily traded, the
investments affected thereby will be valued at "fair value" as described above.
 
    Certain of the securities holdings of the Emerging Markets Series, Emerging
Markets Small Cap Series and the Emerging Markets Value Fund in Approved Markets
may be subject to tax, investment and currency repatriation regulations of the
Approved Markets that could have a material effect on the valuation of the
securities. For example, such Master Funds might be subject to different levels
of taxation on current income and realized gains depending upon the holding
period of the securities. In general, a longer holding period (e.g., 5 years)
may result in the imposition of lower tax rates than a shorter holding period
(e.g., 1 year). The Master Funds may also be subject to certain contractual
arrangements with investment authorities in an Approved Market which require a
Master Fund to maintain minimum holding periods or to limit the extent of
repatriation of income and realized gains. As a result, the valuation of
particular securities at any one time may depend materially upon the assumptions
that a Master Fund makes at that time concerning the anticipated holding period
for the securities. Absent special circumstances as determined by the Board of
Directors or Trustees of the Master Funds, it is presently intended that the
valuation of such securities will be based upon the assumption that they will be
held for at least the amount of time necessary to avoid higher tax rates or
penalties and currency repatriation restrictions. However, the use of such
valuation standards will not prevent the Master Funds from selling such
 
                                       77
<PAGE>
securities in a shorter period of time if the Advisor considers the earlier sale
to be a more prudent course of action. Revision in valuation of those securities
will be made at the time of the transaction to reflect the actual sales proceeds
inuring to the Master Funds.
 
    Futures contracts are valued using the settlement price established each day
on the exchange on which they are traded. The value of such futures contracts
held by a Portfolio or Master Fund are determined each day as of such close.
 
PUBLIC OFFERING PRICE
 
    It is management's belief that payment of a reimbursement fee by each
investor, which is used to defray significant costs associated with investing
proceeds of the sale of their shares to such investors, will eliminate a
dilutive effect such costs would otherwise have on the net asset value of shares
held by previous investors. Therefore, the shares of certain Portfolios are sold
at an offering price which is equal to the current net asset value of such
shares plus a reimbursement fee. The amount of the reimbursement fee represents
management's estimate of the costs reasonably anticipated to be associated with
the purchase of securities by those Portfolios and Master Funds and is paid to
the Portfolios and Master Funds and used by them to defray such costs. Such
costs include brokerage commissions on listed securities, imputed commissions on
OTC securities and a .5% Stamp Duty imposed on the purchase of stocks on the
ISE. Reinvestments of dividends and capital gains distributions paid by the
Portfolios and in-kind investments are not subject to a reimbursement fee. (See
"In-Kind Purchases" and "DIVIDENDS, CAPITAL GAINS DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES.") The
table in "SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION EXPENSES" in this prospectus identifies the
Portfolios whose shares are sold at an offering price which is equal to the
current net asset value of such shares plus a reimbursement fee. The
reimbursement fee is expressed as a percentage of the net asset value of the
shares of the respective Portfolios.
 
    For each Portfolio that charges a reimbursement fee, except the DFA
International Small Cap Value and the International Small Company Portfolios,
the Master Fund in which the Portfolio invests also charges a reimbursement fee
equal to that charged by the respective Portfolio.
 
    In the case of the International Small Company Portfolio, the reimbursement
fee is equal to a blended rate of the reimbursement fees of the Underlying
Series. The blended rate is determined on a quarterly basis and is based upon
the target allocation in effect at the end of each quarter. The blended rate
will be calculated by multiplying the rate of reimbursement fee of each
Underlying Series by a fraction equal to the portion of the assets of the
Portfolio which, at such time, is being allocated to each Underlying Series and
adding the results thereof. If there is a change to the reimbursement fee of an
Underlying Series during a quarter, the blended rate will be re-calculated to
reflect such change in the Underlying Series' reimbursement fee.
 
    The public offering price of shares of the Domestic Equity Portfolios,
United Kingdom Small Company Portfolio, Large Cap International Portfolio,
RWB/DFA International High Book to Market Portfolio and the Fixed Income
Portfolios is the net asset value thereof next determined after the receipt of
the investor's funds by the custodian, provided that an Account Registration
Form in good order has been received by the Transfer Agent; no sales charge or
reimbursement fee is imposed.
 
                                  DISTRIBUTION
 
    The Fund acts as distributor of each series of its own shares of stock. It
has, however, entered into an agreement with DFA Securities Inc., a wholly owned
subsidiary of the Advisor, pursuant to which DFA Securities Inc. is responsible
for supervising the sale of each series of shares. No compensation is paid by
the Fund to DFA Securities Inc. under this agreement.
 
                                       78
<PAGE>
                               EXCHANGE OF SHARES
 
    Investors may exchange shares of one Portfolio for those of another
Portfolio by first contacting the Advisor at (310) 395-8005 to notify the
Advisor of the proposed exchange and then completing an Exchange Form and
mailing it to:
 
                       DFA Investment Dimensions Group Inc.
                       Attn: Client Operations
                       1299 Ocean Avenue, 11th Floor
                       Santa Monica, CA 90401
 
    The minimum amount for an exchange is $100,000. Exchanges are accepted into
or from any of the Portfolios of the Fund offered in this prospectus. Such
exchange is subject to any applicable reimbursement fee charged by a Portfolio
in connection with the sale of its shares.
 
    Investors in any Portfolio eligible for the exchange privilege also may
exchange all or part of their Portfolio shares into a portfolio of Dimensional
Investment Group Inc., an open-end, management investment company, subject to
the minimum purchase requirement set forth in that fund's prospectus. Investors
may contact the Advisor at the above-listed phone number for more information on
such exchanges and to request a copy of the prospectus of Dimensional Investment
Group Inc.
 
    The exchange privilege is not intended to afford shareholders a way to
speculate on short-term movements in the markets. Accordingly, in order to
prevent excessive use of the exchange privilege that may potentially disrupt the
management of the Portfolios or otherwise adversely affect the Fund, any
proposed exchange will be subject to the approval of the Advisor. Such approval
will depend on: (i) the size of the proposed exchange; (ii) the prior number of
exchanges by that shareholder; (iii) the nature of the underlying securities and
the cash position of the Portfolios involved in the proposed exchange; (iv) the
transaction costs involved in processing the exchange; and (v) the total number
of redemptions by exchange already made out of a Portfolio.
 
    The redemption and purchase prices of shares redeemed and purchased by
exchange, respectively, are the net asset values next determined after the
Advisor has received an Exchange Form in good order. Exchanges with respect to
International Small Company Portfolio and any of the Feeder Portfolios which
invest in the Underlying Series are not subject to a reimbursement fee. "Good
order" means a completed Exchange Form specifying the dollar amount to be
exchanged, signed by all registered owners of the shares; and if the Fund does
not have on file the authorized signatures for the account, a guarantee of the
signature of each registered owner by an "eligible guarantor institution." Such
institutions generally include national or state banks, savings associations,
savings and loan associations, trust companies, savings banks, credit unions and
members of a recognized stock exchange. Exchanges will be accepted only if the
registrations of the two accounts are identical, stock certificates have not
been issued and the shares of the Portfolio being acquired are registered in the
investor's state of residence.
 
    There is no fee imposed on an exchange. However, the Fund reserves the right
to impose an administrative fee in order to cover the costs incurred in
processing an exchange. Any such fee will be disclosed in the prospectus. An
exchange is treated as a redemption and a purchase. Therefore, an investor could
realize a taxable gain or a loss on the transaction. The Fund reserves the right
to revise or terminate the exchange privilege, waive the minimum amount
requirement, limit the amount of or reject any exchange, as deemed necessary, at
any time.
 
                              REDEMPTION OF SHARES
 
    Investors who desire to redeem shares of a Portfolio must first contact the
Advisor at the telephone number shown under "PURCHASE OF SHARES." Each Portfolio
will redeem shares at the net asset value of such shares next determined,
either: (1) where stock certificates have not been issued, after receipt of a
written request for redemption in good order, by the Fund's Transfer Agent or
(2) if stock certificates
 
                                       79
<PAGE>
have been issued, after receipt of the stock certificates in good order at the
office of the Transfer Agent. "Good order" means that the request to redeem
shares must include all necessary documentation, to be received in writing by
the Advisor no later than the close of regular trading on the NYSE (ordinarily
1:00 p.m. PST), including: the stock certificate(s), if issued; a letter of
instruction or a stock assignment specifying the number of shares or dollar
amount to be redeemed, signed by all registered owners (or authorized
representatives thereof) of the shares; and, if the Fund does not have on file
the authorized signatures for the account, a guarantee of the signature of each
registered owner by an eligible guarantor institution; and any other required
supporting legal documents. A signature guarantee may be obtained from a
domestic bank or trust company, broker, dealer, clearing agency or savings
association who are participants in a medallion program recognized by the
Securities Transfer Association. The three recognized medallion programs are
Securities Transfer Agents Medallion (STAMP), Stock Exchanges Medallion Program
(SEMP) and New York Stock Exchange, Inc. Medallion Signature Program (MSP).
Signature guarantees which are not a part of these programs will not be
accepted.
 
    Shareholders redeeming shares for which certificates have not been issued,
who have authorized redemption payment by wire on an authorization form filed
with the Fund, may request that redemption proceeds be paid in federal funds
wired to the bank they have designated on the authorization form. The Fund
reserves the right to send redemption proceeds by check in its discretion; a
shareholder may request overnight delivery of such check at the shareholder's
own expense. If the proceeds are wired to the shareholder's account at a bank
which is not a member of the Federal Reserve System, there could be a delay in
crediting the funds to the shareholder's bank account. The Fund reserves the
right at any time to suspend or terminate the redemption by wire procedure after
prior notification to shareholders. No charge is made by the Fund for
redemptions. The redemption of all shares in an account will result in the
account being closed. A new Account Registration Form will be required for
future investments. (See "PURCHASE OF SHARES.") As of the date of this
prospectus, in the interests of economy and convenience, certificates for shares
will no longer be issued.
 
    Although the redemption payments will ordinarily be made within seven days
after receipt, payment to investors redeeming shares which were purchased by
check will not be made until the Fund can verify that the payments for the
purchase have been, or will be, collected, which may take up to fifteen days or
more. Investors may avoid this delay by submitting a certified check along with
the purchase order.
 
    With respect to each Portfolio, the Fund reserves the right to redeem a
shareholder's account if the value of the shares in a specific Portfolio is $500
or less, whether because of redemptions, a decline in the Portfolio's net asset
value per share or any other reason. Before the Fund involuntarily redeems
shares from such an account and sends the proceeds to the stockholder, the Fund
will give written notice of the redemption to the stockholder at least sixty
days in advance of the redemption date. The stockholder will then have sixty
days from the date of the notice to make an additional investment in the Fund in
order to bring the value of the shares in the account for a specific Portfolio
to more than $500 and avoid such involuntary redemption. The redemption price to
be paid to a stockholder for shares redeemed by the Fund under this right will
be the aggregate net asset value of the shares in the account at the close of
business on the redemption date.
 
    When in the best interests of a Feeder Portfolio, the Feeder Portfolio may
make a redemption payment, in whole or in part, by a distribution of portfolio
securities that the Feeder Portfolio receives from the Master Fund in lieu of
cash in accordance with Rule 18f-1 under the 1940 Act. A Portfolio that is not a
Feeder Portfolio may also make a redemption payment, in whole or in part, by a
distribution of Portfolio securities in lieu of cash in accordance with Rule
18f-1 under the 1940 Act, when in the best interests of the Portfolio. Investors
may incur brokerage charges and other transaction costs selling securities that
were received in payment of redemptions. The International Equity, DFA Two-Year
Global Fixed Income and DFA Five-Year Global Fixed Income Portfolios reserve the
right to redeem their shares in the currencies in which their investments (and,
in respect of the Feeder Portfolios and International Small Company Portfolio,
the currencies in which the corresponding Master Funds' or Underlying Series'
 
                                       80
<PAGE>
   
investments, respectively) are denominated. Investors may incur charges in
converting such securities to dollars and the value of the securities may be
affected by currency exchange fluctuations. The Tax-Managed Portfolios and
Series are authorized to make redemption payments solely by a distribution of
portfolio securities, or a combination of securities and cash, when it is
determined by the Advisor to be consistent with the tax management strategies
described in this prospectus and applicable legal and regulatory requirements.
    
 
                              GENERAL INFORMATION
 
    The Fund was incorporated under Maryland law on June 15, 1981. Until June
1983, the Fund was named DFA Small Company Fund Inc. The shares of each
Portfolio, when issued and paid for in accordance with the Fund's prospectus,
will be fully paid and non-assessable shares, with equal, non-cumulative voting
rights and no preferences as to conversion, exchange, dividends, redemption or
any other feature.
 
    With respect to matters which require shareholder approval, shareholders are
entitled to vote only with respect to matters which affect the interest of the
class of shares (Portfolio) which they hold, except as otherwise required by
applicable law. If liquidation of the Fund should occur, shareholders would be
entitled to receive on a per class basis the assets of the particular Portfolio
whose shares they own, as well as a proportionate share of Fund assets not
attributable to any particular class. Ordinarily, the Fund does not intend to
hold annual meetings of shareholders, except as required by the 1940 Act or
other applicable law. The Fund's bylaws provide that special meetings of
shareholders shall be called at the written request of at least 10% of the votes
entitled to be cast at such meeting. Such meeting may be called to consider any
matter, including the removal of one or more directors. Shareholders will
receive shareholder communications with respect to such matters as required by
the 1940 Act, including semi-annual and annual financial statements of the Fund,
the latter being audited at least once each year.
 
    The DFA Investment Trust Company was organized as a Delaware business trust
on October 27, 1992. The Trust offers shares of its Series only to institutional
investors in private offerings. Dimensional Emerging Markets Value Fund was
incorporated under Maryland law on January 9, 1991, and offers its shares only
to institutional investors in private offerings. On November 21, 1997, the
shareholders of Dimensional Emerging Markets Value Fund approved the Fund's
conversion from a closed-end management investment company to an open-end
management investment company. The Fund may withdraw the investment of a Feeder
Portfolio in a Master Fund at any time, if the Board of Directors of the Fund
determines that it is in the best interests of the Portfolio to do so. Upon any
such withdrawal, the Board of Directors of the Fund would consider what action
might be taken, including the investment of all of the assets of the Portfolio
in another pooled investment entity having the same investment objective as the
Portfolio or the hiring of an investment advisor to manage the Portfolio's
assets in accordance with the investment policies described above.
 
    Whenever a Feeder Portfolio, as an investor in its corresponding Master
Fund, is asked to vote on a shareholder proposal, the Fund will solicit voting
instructions from the Feeder Portfolio's shareholders with respect to the
proposal. The Directors of the Fund will then vote the Feeder Portfolio's shares
in the Master Fund in accordance with the voting instructions received from the
Feeder Portfolio's shareholders. The Directors of the Fund will vote shares of
the Feeder Portfolio for which they receive no voting instructions in accordance
with their best judgment. If a majority shareholder of a Partnership Series of
the Trust redeems its entire interest in the Series, a majority in interest of
the remaining shareholders in the Series must vote to approve the continuing
existence of the Series or the Series will be liquidated.
 
    The Portfolios and the Master Funds may disseminate reports of their
investment performance from time to time. Investment performance is calculated
on a total return basis; that is by including all net investment income and any
realized and unrealized net capital gains or losses during the period for which
investment performance is reported. If dividends or capital gains distributions
have been paid during the
 
                                       81
<PAGE>
   
relevant period the calculation of investment performance will include such
dividends and capital gains distributions as though reinvested in shares of the
Portfolio or Master Fund. Standard quotations of total return, which include
deductions of any applicable reimbursement fees, are computed in accordance with
SEC Guidelines and are presented whenever any non-standard quotations are
disseminated to provide comparability to other investment companies.
Non-standardized total return quotations may differ from the SEC Guideline
computations by covering different time periods, excluding deduction of
reimbursement fees charged to investors and paid to the Portfolios which would
otherwise reduce returns quotations. In all cases, disclosures are made when
performance quotations differ from the SEC Guideline. Performance data is based
on historical earnings and is not intended to indicate future performances.
Rates of return expressed on an annual basis will usually not equal the sum of
returns expressed for consecutive interim periods due to the compounding of the
interim yields. The Fund's annual report to shareholders for the fiscal year
ended November 30, 1997, and semi-annual report to shareholders for the period
ended May 31, 1998, contain additional performance information. Copies of the
annual and semi-annual reports are available upon request and without charge.
    
 
    With respect to the International Equity Portfolios and DFA Five-Year Global
Fixed Income Portfolio, rates of return expressed as a percentage of U.S.
dollars will reflect applicable currency exchange rates at the beginning and
ending dates of the investment periods presented. The return expressed in terms
of U.S. dollars is the return one would achieve by investing dollars in the
Portfolio at the beginning of the period and liquidating the investment in
dollars at the end of the period. Hence, the return expressed as a percentage of
U.S. dollars combines the investment performance of the Portfolio as well as the
performance of the local currency or currencies of the Portfolio. Inasmuch as
DFA Five-Year Global Fixed Income Portfolio intends to continually hedge against
the risk of variations in currency exchange rates, the Advisor believes that the
variation of the Portfolio's investment performance in relation to fluctuations
in currency exchange rates will be minimized.
 
   
    As of October 31, 1998, the following persons owned more than 25% of the
voting securities of the following Portfolios:
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                                 <C>                  <C>
U.S. LARGE COMPANY PORTFOLIO
 
  Charles Schwab & Company, Inc.--REIN*                                  67.26%
  101 Montgomery Street, San Francisco, CA 94104
 
U.S. LARGE CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO
 
  Charles Schwab & Company, Inc.--REIN*             (see above address)  52.44%
 
DFA REAL ESTATE SECURITIES PORTFOLIO
 
  Charles Schwab & Company, Inc.--REIN*             (see above address)  64.99%
 
JAPANESE SMALL COMPANY PORTFOLIO
 
  BellSouth Corporation Master Pension Trust                             61.41%
  1155 Peachtree Street, N.E., Atlanta, GA 30367
 
PACIFIC RIM SMALL COMPANY PORTFOLIO
 
  BellSouth Corporation Master Pension Trust        (see above address)  72.98%
 
UNITED KINGDOM SMALL COMPANY PORTFOLIO
 
  BellSouth Corporation Master Pension Trust        (see above address)  62.66%
 
  Charles Schwab & Company, Inc.--REIN*             (see above address)  29.95%
 
DFA ONE-YEAR FIXED INCOME PORTFOLIO
 
  Charles Schwab & Company, Inc.--REIN*             (see above address)  29.71%
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------------------
 
* Owner of record only.
 
                                       82
<PAGE>
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                                 <C>                  <C>
EMERGING MARKETS PORTFOLIO
 
  Charles Schwab & Company, Inc.--REIN*             (see above address)  66.83%
 
CONTINENTAL SMALL COMPANY PORTFOLIO
 
  BellSouth Corporation Master Pension Trust        (see above address)  61.55%
 
  Charles Schwab & Company, Inc.--REIN*             (see above address)  31.58%
 
LARGE CAP INTERNATIONAL PORTFOLIO
 
  Charles Schwab & Company, Inc.--REIN*             (see above address)  79.06%
 
RWB/DFA INTERNATIONAL HIGH BOOK TO MARKET PORTFOLIO
 
  Charles Schwab & Company, Inc.--REIN*             (see above address)  90.16%
 
DFA INTERNATIONAL SMALL CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO
 
  Charles Schwab & Company, Inc.--REIN*             (see above address)  61.78%
 
DFA FIVE-YEAR GOVERNMENT PORTFOLIO
 
  Charles Schwab & Company, Inc.--REIN*             (see above address)  53.35%
 
DFA FIVE-YEAR GLOBAL FIXED INCOME PORTFOLIO
 
  Charles Schwab & Company, Inc.--REIN*             (see above address)  48.52%
 
DFA INTERMEDIATE GOVERNMENT FIXED INCOME PORTFOLIO
 
  Charles Schwab & Company, Inc.--CAP*              (see above address)  84.19%
 
DFA TWO-YEAR GLOBAL FIXED INCOME PORTFOLIO
 
  Charles Schwab & Company, Inc.--REIN*             (see above address)  46.26%
 
  Charles Schwab & Company, Inc.--CAP*              (see above address)  39.08%
 
ENHANCED U.S. LARGE COMPANY PORTFOLIO
 
  Charles Schwab & Company, Inc.--REIN*             (see above address)  34.04%
 
  Charles Schwab & Company, Inc.--CAP*              (see above address)  30.26%
 
INTERNATIONAL SMALL COMPANY PORTFOLIO
  Charles Schwab & Company, Inc--REIN               (see above address)  62.65%
 
  San Diego County Employees Retirement                                  27.15%
    Association
  1495 Pacific Highway
  San Diego, CA 92101
 
U.S. 6-10 VALUE PORTFOLIO
 
  Charles Schwab & Company, Inc.--REIN*             (see above address)  27.84%
- ------------------------
* Owner of record only.
</TABLE>
    
 
   
                                       83
    
<PAGE>
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                                 <C>                  <C>
U.S. 9-10 SMALL COMPANY PORTFOLIO
 
  Charles Schwab & Company, Inc.--REIN*             (see above address)  28.73%
 
U.S. 6-10 SMALL COMPANY PORTFOLIO
 
  McKinsey & Company Master Retirement Trust                             27.42%
  55 E. 52nd Street
  New York, NY 10055
 
EMERGING MARKETS SMALL CAP PORTFOLIO
 
  Charles Schwab & Company, Inc.--REIN*             (see above address)  58.82%
 
EMERGING MARKETS VALUE PORTFOLIO
 
  Charles Schwab & Company, Inc.--REIN*             (see above address)  62.62%
 
U.S. 4-10 VALUE PORTFOLIO
 
  Dimensional Fund Advisors Inc.                    (see above address)  100.00%
  299 Ocean Avenue 11th Floor
  Santa Monica, CA 90401
</TABLE>
    
 
    Shareholder inquiries may be made by writing or calling the Fund at the
address or telephone number appearing on the cover of this prospectus. Only
those individuals whose signatures are on file for the account in question may
receive specific account information or make changes in the account
registration.
 
- ------------------------
 
* Owner of record only.
 
                                       84
<PAGE>
DFA INVESTMENT DIMENSIONS GROUP INC.
1299 Ocean Avenue
11th Floor
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Tel. No. (310) 395-8005
 
INVESTMENT ADVISOR
 
DIMENSIONAL FUND ADVISORS INC.
1299 Ocean Avenue, 11th Floor
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Tel. No. (310) 395-8005
 
SUB-ADVISORS
 
DIMENSIONAL FUND ADVISORS LTD.
14 Berkeley Street
London W1X 5AD
England
Tel. No. (071) 495-2343
 
DFA AUSTRALIA LIMITED
Suite 4403 Gateway
1 MacQuarie Place
Sydney, New South Wales 2000
Australia
 
CUSTODIANS--INTERNATIONAL
 
CITIBANK, N.A.
111 Wall Street
New York, NY 10005
 
THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK
4 Chase Metrotech Center
Brooklyn, NY 11245
 
CUSTODIAN--DOMESTIC
 
PNC BANK, N.A.
200 Stevens Drive, Airport Business Center
Lester, PA 19113
 
ACCOUNTING SERVICES, DIVIDEND DISBURSING AND TRANSFER AGENT
 
PFPC Inc.
400 Bellevue Parkway
Wilmington, DE 19809
 
LEGAL COUNSEL
 
STRADLEY, RONON, STEVENS & YOUNG, LLP
2600 One Commerce Square
Philadelphia, PA 19103-7098
 
INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
 
PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP
2400 Eleven Penn Center
Philadelphia, PA 19103
<PAGE>

                         DFA INVESTMENT DIMENSIONS GROUP INC.

            1299 OCEAN AVENUE, 11TH FLOOR, SANTA MONICA, CALIFORNIA 90401
                              TELEPHONE: (310) 395-8005

                         STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
   
                                   DECEMBER 8, 1998
    
     DFA Investment Dimensions Group Inc. (the "Fund") offers thirty-four series
of shares.  This statement of additional information relates to twenty-eight of
those series (individually, a "Portfolio" and collectively, the "Portfolios"):
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                           DOMESTIC EQUITY PORTFOLIOS

<S>                                               <C>
U.S. 9-10 Small Company Portfolio                 U.S. 4-10 Value Portfolio
U.S. 6-10 Small Company Portfolio                 Tax-Managed U.S. 5-10 Value Portfolio
Tax-Managed U.S. 6-10 Small Company Portfolio     Enhanced U.S. Large Company Portfolio
U.S. Large Cap Value Portfolio                    U.S. Large Cap Value Portfolio
Tax-Managed U.S. Marketwide Value Portfolio       DFA Real Estate Securities Portfolio

<CAPTION>
                         INTERNATIONAL EQUITY PORTFOLIOS

<S>                                               <C>
Japanese Small Company Portfolio                  Emerging Markets Small Cap Portfolio
Pacific Rim Small Company Portfolio               Continental Small Company Portfolio
United Kingdom Small Company Portfolio            Large Cap International Portfolio
Emerging Markets Portfolio                        DFA International Small Cap Value Portfolio
RWB/DFA International High Book to                International Small Company Portfolio
  Market Portfolio                                Emerging Markets Value Portfolio
Tax-Managed DFA International Value Portfolio

<CAPTION>
                              FIXED INCOME PORTFOLIOS

<S>                                               <C>
DFA One-Year Fixed Income Portfolio               DFA Five-Year Government Portfolio
DFA Two-Year Global Fixed Income Portfolio        DFA Intermediate Government Fixed Income Portfolio
DFA Five-Year Global Fixed Income Portfolio
</TABLE>
    
   
     This statement of additional information is not a prospectus but should be
read in conjunction with the Portfolios' prospectus dated December 8, 1998, as
amended from time to time, which can be obtained from the Fund by writing to the
Fund at the above address or by calling the above telephone number.
    

<PAGE>

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                 TABLE OF CONTENTS
<S>                                                                          <C>
PORTFOLIO CHARACTERISTICS AND POLICIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

BROKERAGE COMMISSIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

OPTIONS ON STOCK INDICES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

FUTURES CONTRACTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

FEDERAL TAX TREATMENT OF OPTIONS, FUTURES CONTRACTS AND SIMILAR
POSITIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

OTHER INFORMATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF SECURITIES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

PURCHASE OF SHARES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

REDEMPTION AND TRANSFER OF SHARES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

CALCULATION OF PERFORMANCE DATA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
</TABLE>
    
                                          2
<PAGE>

                        PORTFOLIO CHARACTERISTICS AND POLICIES

   
     The following information supplements the information set forth in the
prospectus under the captions "INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES - SMALL
COMPANY PORTFOLIOS," "U.S. LARGE COMPANY PORTFOLIO - Investment Objective and
Policies," "ENHANCED U.S. LARGE COMPANY PORTFOLIO - Investment Objective and
Policies," "LARGE CAP INTERNATIONAL PORTFOLIO - Investment Objective and
Policies," "DFA REAL ESTATE SECURITIES PORTFOLIO," "VALUE PORTFOLIOS - Portfolio
Characteristics and Policies," "RWB/DFA INTERNATIONAL HIGH BOOK TO MARKET
PORTFOLIO - Investment Objective and Policies," "TAX-MANAGED DFA INTERNATIONAL
VALUE PORTFOLIO - Investment Objective and Policies," "DFA INTERNATIONAL SMALL
CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO - Investment Objective and Policies," "EMERGING MARKETS
PORTFOLIO, EMERGING MARKETS SMALL CAP PORTFOLIO AND EMERGING MARKETS VALUE
PORTFOLIO - Investment Objectives and Policies" and "INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND
POLICIES - FIXED INCOME PORTFOLIOS."  The following information applies to all
of the Portfolios, except the Feeder Portfolios, and also to the Trust Series.
    
     Because the structure of the Domestic and International Equity Portfolios
is based on the relative market capitalizations of eligible holdings, it is
possible that the Portfolios might include at least 5% of the outstanding voting
securities of one or more issuers.  In such circumstances, the Fund and the
issuer would be deemed "affiliated persons" under the Investment Company Act of
1940 (the "1940 Act") and certain requirements of the 1940 Act regulating
dealings between affiliates might become applicable.  However, based on the
present capitalizations of the groups of companies eligible for inclusion in the
Portfolios and the anticipated amount of a Portfolio's assets intended to be
invested in such securities, management does not anticipate that a Portfolio
will include as much as 5% of the voting securities of any issuer.

     Each of the International Equity Portfolios may invest up to 5% of its
assets in convertible debentures issued by non-U.S. companies.  Convertible
debentures include corporate bonds and notes that may be converted into or
exchanged for common stock.  These securities are generally convertible either
at a stated price or a stated rate (that is, for a specific number of shares of
common stock or other security).  As with other fixed income securities, the
price of a convertible debenture to some extent varies inversely with interest
rates.  While providing a fixed income stream (generally higher in yield than
the income derived from a common stock but lower than that afforded by a
nonconvertible debenture), a convertible debenture also affords the investor an
opportunity, through its conversion feature, to participate in the capital
appreciation of the common stock into which it is convertible.  As the market
price of the underlying common stock declines, convertible debentures tend to
trade increasingly on a yield basis and so may not experience market value
declines to the same extent as the underlying common stock.  When the market
price of the underlying common stock increases, the price of a convertible
debenture tends to rise as a reflection of the value of the underlying common
stock.  To obtain such a higher yield, a Portfolio may be required to pay for a
convertible debenture an amount in excess of the value of the underlying common
stock.  Common stock acquired by a Portfolio upon conversion of a convertible
debenture will generally be held for so long as the Advisor anticipates such
stock will provide the Portfolio with opportunities which are consistent with
the Portfolio's investment objective and policies.
   
     The portfolio turnover rate for the U.S. 4-10 Value Series is anticipated
to be approximately 35%.  The portfolio turnover RATES FOR THE TAX-MANAGED U.S.
6-10 SMALL COMPANY PORTFOLIO, TAX-MANAGED U.S. MARKETWIDE VALUE SERIES,
TAX-MANAGED U.S. 5-10 VALUE PORTFOLIO AND TAX-MANAGED DFA INTERNATIONAL VALUE
PORTFOLIO (COLLECTIVELY, THE "TAX-MANAGED PORTFOLIOS AND SERIES") is anticipated
to be approximately 60%, 60%, 70% AND 60%, RESPECTIVELY.  Because the relative
market capitalizations of small companies compared with larger companies
generally do not change substantially over short periods of time, the portfolio
turnover rates of the Small Company Portfolios ordinarily are anticipated to be
low.  The turnover rate for the International Small Company Portfolio is not
expected to exceed 25% per year.  Generally, securities will be purchased with
the expectation that they will be held for longer than one year.  Generally,
securities will be held until such time as, in the Advisor's judgment, they are
no longer considered an appropriate holding in light of the policy of
maintaining portfolios of companies with small market capitalization.  Because
the DFA Real Estate Securities Portfolio generally will hold securities for the
long-term, its turnover rate
    

                                          3
<PAGE>

ordinarily is anticipated  to be low.  Generally, securities will be purchased
with the expectation that they will be held for longer than one year.  The
portfolio turnover rate of the Emerging Markets Small Cap Series ordinarily is
anticipated to be low and is not expected to exceed 20% per year.


                                BROKERAGE COMMISSIONS

     The following table depicts brokerage commissions paid by the Fund
Portfolios.  For the Feeder Portfolios, the amounts include commissions paid by
the corresponding Master Funds.


                                BROKERAGE COMMISSIONS
                 FISCAL YEARS ENDED NOVEMBER 30, 1997, 1996 AND 1995

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               1997               1996             1995
                                                               ----               ----             ----
<S>                                                         <C>                <C>              <C>
U.S. 9-10 Small Company Portfolio . . . . . . . . . . .     $1,641,020         $1,704,251       $1,120,40
U.S. 6-10 Small Company Series. . . . . . . . . . . . .        855,652            473,887         361,784
U.S. Large Company Series . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         40,689             72,262          15,289
Japanese Small Company Series . . . . . . . . . . . . .        602,098            466,795         768,765
United Kingdom Small Company Series . . . . . . . . . .         68,028             86,854         236,754
Continental Small Company Series. . . . . . . . . . . .        145,195            214,631         244,705
Large Cap International Portfolio . . . . . . . . . . .          9,322             42,633          61,048
U.S. 6-10 Value Series. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      4,591,853          2,754,009       1,027,015
U.S. Large Cap Value Series . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        929,005            934,452         410,503
DFA Real Estate Securities Portfolio. . . . . . . . . .         53,646             39,007          26,084
Pacific Rim Small Company Series. . . . . . . . . . . .        485,846            181,812         142,227
RWB/DFA International High Book to Market Portfolio . .      1,133,787          1,251,242         542,306
Emerging Markets Series . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        559,853            437,088         166,601
DFA International Small Cap Value Portfolio . . . . . .        921,326          1,472,685         745,562
Enhanced U.S. Large Company Series. . . . . . . . . . .         10,284              1,650             -0-
Emerging Markets Value Portfolio. . . . . . . . . . . .         79,005             14,699          85,081
                                                           -----------        -----------       ---------
TOTAL                                                      $12,126,609        $10,147,957       5,869,093
</TABLE>

   
     The substantial increases or decreases in the amount of brokerage
commissions paid by certain Portfolios from year to year indicated in the
foregoing table resulted from increases or decreases in the amount of securities
that were bought and sold by those Portfolios.  The Tax-Managed Portfolios and
Series had not commenced operations prior to the date of this statement of
additional information.
    
     Please note that while the following discussion relates to the policies of
certain Portfolios with respect to brokerage commissions, it should be
understood that, with respect to a Feeder Portfolio and International Small
Company Portfolio, the discussion applies to the Master Fund in which the Feeder
Portfolio invests all of its assets and the Underlying Series, respectively.

     The Fixed Income Portfolios acquire and sell securities on a net basis with
dealers which are major market markers in such securities.  The Investment
Committee of the Advisor selects dealers on the basis of their size, market
making and credit analysis ability.  When executing portfolio transactions, the
Advisor seeks to obtain the most favorable price for the securities being traded
among the dealers with whom the Fixed Income Portfolios effect transactions.

     Portfolio transactions will be placed with a view to receiving the best
price and execution.  The Portfolios will seek to acquire and dispose of
securities in a manner which would cause as little fluctuation in the market
prices of stocks being purchased or sold as possible in light of the size of the
transactions being effected, and brokers will be selected with this goal in
view.  The Advisor monitors the performance of brokers which effect transactions
for the Portfolios to determine the effect that their trading has on the market
prices of the securities in which they invest.


                                          4
<PAGE>

The Advisor also checks the rate of commission being paid by the Portfolios to
their brokers to ascertain that they are competitive with those charged by other
brokers for similar services.  Dimensional Fund Advisors Ltd. performs these
services for the United Kingdom and Continental Small Company Series and DFA
Australia Limited performs these services for the Japanese and Pacific Rim Small
Company Series.  Transactions also may be placed with brokers who provide the
Advisor or the sub-advisors with investment research, such as reports concerning
individual issuers, industries and general economic and financial trends and
other research services.
   
     The OTC companies eligible for purchase by the U.S. 9-10 Small Company
Portfolio, the U.S. 6-10 Small Company Portfolio, the U.S. 6-10 Value Portfolio,
the U.S. 4-10 Value Portfolio, the DFA Real Estate Securities Portfolio and the
Tax-Managed Series are thinly traded securities.  Therefore, the Advisor
believes it needs maximum flexibility to effect OTC trades on a best execution
basis.  To that end, the Advisor places buy and sell orders with market makers,
third market brokers, Instinet and with brokers on an agency basis when the
Advisor determines that the securities may not be available from other sources
at a more favorable price.  Third market brokers enable the Advisor to trade
with other institutional holders directly on a net basis.  This allows the
Advisor to sometimes trade larger blocks than would be possible by going through
a single market maker.
    
     Instinet is an electronic information and communication network whose
subscribers include most market makers as well as many institutions.  Instinet
charges a commission for each trade executed on its system.  On any given trade,
the U.S. 9-10 Small Company Portfolio, the U.S. 6-10 Small Company Portfolio,
the Tax-Managed U.S. 6-10 Small Company Portfolio, the Value Portfolios and the
DFA Real Estate Securities Portfolio, by trading through Instinet, would pay a
spread to a dealer on the other side of the trade plus a commission to Instinet.
However, placing a buy (or sell) order on Instinet communicates to many
(potentially all) market makers and institutions at once.  This can create a
more complete picture of the market and thus increase the likelihood that the
Portfolios can effect transactions at the best available prices.

     During the fiscal year 1997, the Portfolios or, in the case of a Feeder
Portfolio, its corresponding Master Fund, paid commissions for securities
transactions to brokers which provided market price monitoring services, market
studies and research services to the Portfolios or Master Funds as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     VALUE OF
                                                   SECURITIES         BROKERAGE
                                                 TRANSACTIONS       COMMISSIONS
                                                 ------------       -----------
<S>                                              <C>                <C>
 U.S. 9-10 Small Company. . . . . . . . . . .    $207,113,667          $742,872
 U.S. 6-10 Small Company. . . . . . . . . . .     153,272,761           486,637
 U.S. 6-10 Value. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     453,009,643         1,899,654
 U.S. Large Cap Value . . . . . . . . . . . .      78,961,638           122,527
 DFA Real Estate Securities . . . . . . . . .      16,165,969            25,440
 RWB/DFA International High Book to Market. .       4,623,558            13,922
 DFA International Small Cap Value. . . . . .      15,496,595            84,031
 Japanese Small Company . . . . . . . . . . .      40,864,513           253,707
 Pacific Rim Small Company. . . . . . . . . .       8,885,178            35,584
 Emerging Markets Value . . . . . . . . . . .            -0-                -0-
                                                 ------------       -----------
 TOTAL                                           $978,393,522        $3,664,374
</TABLE>

     The investment advisory agreements permit the Advisor knowingly to pay
commissions on these transactions which are greater than another broker might
charge if the Advisor, in good faith, determines that the commissions paid are
reasonable in relation to the research or brokerage services provided by the
broker or dealer when viewed in terms of either a particular transaction or the
Advisor's overall responsibilities to the Fund. Research services furnished by
brokers through whom securities transactions are effected may be used by the
Advisor in servicing all of its accounts and not all such services may be used
by the Advisor with respect to the Fund.

     Brokerage commissions for transactions in securities listed on the Tokyo
Stock Exchange ("TSE") and other Japanese securities exchanges are fixed. Under
the current regulations of the TSE and the Japanese Ministry of


                                          5
<PAGE>

Finance, member and non-member firms of Japanese exchanges are required to
charge full commissions to all customers other than banks and certain financial
institutions, but members and licensed non-member firms may confirm transactions
to banks and financial institution affiliates located outside Japan with
institutional discounts on brokerage commissions. The Japanese Small Company
Series has been able to avail itself of institutional discounts. The Series'
ability to effect transactions at a discount from fixed commission rates depends
on a number of factors, including the size of the transaction, the relation
between the cost to the member or the licensed non-member firm of effecting such
transaction and the commission receivable, and the law, regulation and practice
discussed above. There can be no assurance that the Series will continue to be
able to realize the benefit of discounts from fixed commissions.

     A Feeder Portfolio will not incur any brokerage or other costs in
connection with its purchase or redemption of shares of the corresponding Master
Fund.


                                INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS

     Each of the Portfolios has adopted certain limitations which may not be
changed with respect to any Portfolio without the approval of a majority of the
outstanding voting securities of the Portfolio. A "majority" is defined as the
lesser of: (1) at least 67% of the voting securities of the Portfolio (to be
affected by the proposed change) present at a meeting, if the holders of more
than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of the Portfolio are present or
represented by proxy, or (2) more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities
of such Portfolio.

     The Portfolios will not:

     (1)  invest in commodities or real estate, including limited partnership
          interests therein, except the DFA Real Estate Securities Portfolio,
          although they may purchase and sell securities of companies which deal
          in real estate and securities which are secured by interests in real
          estate, and all Portfolios except the U.S. 9-10 and 6-10 Small Company
          Portfolios, the DFA One-Year Fixed Income Portfolio and the DFA
          Five-Year Government Portfolio may purchase or sell financial futures
          contracts and options thereon; and the Enhanced U.S. Large Company
          Portfolio may purchase, sell and enter into indices-related futures
          contracts, options on such futures contracts, securities-related swap
          agreements and other derivative instruments;

     (2)  make loans of cash, except through the acquisition of repurchase
          agreements and obligations customarily purchased by institutional
          investors; and, with respect to the Emerging Markets Value Portfolio,
          except through the acquisition of publicly-traded debt securities and
          short-term money instruments;

     (3)  as to 75% of the total assets of a Portfolio, invest in the securities
          of any issuer (except obligations of the U.S. Government and its
          instrumentalities) if, as a result, more than 5% of the Portfolio's
          total assets, at market, would be invested in the securities of such
          issuer;  provided that this limitation applies to 100% of the total
          assets of the U.S. 9-10 Small Company Portfolio and the DFA Five-Year
          Global Fixed Income Portfolio is not subject to this limitation;
   
     (4)  purchase or retain securities of an issuer if those officers and
          directors of the Fund or the Advisor owning more than 1/2 of 1% of
          such securities together own more than 5% of such securities; provided
          that the U.S. 4-10 Value, Tax-Managed U.S. 5-10 Value, Tax-Managed
          U.S. 6-10 Small Company, Tax-Managed U.S. Marketwide Value,
          Tax-Managed DFA International Value and Emerging Markets Value
          Portfolios are not subject to this limitation;
    
     (5)  borrow, except from banks and as a temporary measure for extraordinary
          or emergency purposes and then, in no event, in excess of 5% of a
          Portfolio's gross assets valued at the lower of market or cost;
          provided that each Portfolio, other than the U.S. 9-10 Small Company,
          Japanese Small Company, DFA One-Year Fixed Income, DFA Intermediate


                                          6
<PAGE>

          Government Fixed Income, DFA Five-Year Government and Emerging Markets
          Value Portfolios, may borrow amounts not exceeding 33% of their net
          assets from banks and pledge not more than 33% of such assets to
          secure such loans; and with respect to the Emerging Markets Value
          Portfolio, borrow, except in connection with a foreign currency
          transaction, the settlement of a portfolio trade, as a temporary
          measure for extraordinary or emergency purposes, including to meet
          redemption requests, and, in no event in excess of 33% of the Fund's
          net assets valued at market;
   
     (6)  pledge, mortgage, or hypothecate any of its assets to an extent
          greater than 10% of its total assets at fair market value, except as
          described in (5) above; provided that the U.S. 4-10 Value Portfolio,
          Tax-Managed U.S. 5-10 Value Portfolio, Tax-Managed U.S. 6-10 Small
          Company Portfolio, Tax-Managed U.S. Marketwide Value Portfolio,
          Tax-Managed DFA International Value Portfolio and Emerging Markets
          Value Portfolio are not subject to this limitation;
    
   
     (7)  invest more than 10% of the value of the Portfolio's total assets in
          illiquid securities, which include certain restricted securities,
          repurchase agreements with maturities of greater than seven days, and
          other illiquid investments; provided that the Enhanced U.S. Large
          Company, U.S. 4-10 Value, Tax-Managed U.S. 5-10 Value, Tax-Managed
          U.S. 6-10 Small Company, Tax-Managed U.S. Marketwide Value,
          Tax-Managed DFA International Value, DFA Two-Year Global Fixed Income,
          International Small Company, Emerging Markets Small Cap and Emerging
          Markets Value Portfolios are not subject to this limitation and the
          DFA Real Estate Securities Portfolio, the U.S. 6-10 Value Portfolio,
          the U.S. Large Cap Value Portfolio, the RWB/DFA International High
          Book to Market Portfolio, the U.S. 6-10 Small Company Portfolio, the
          Emerging Markets Portfolio and DFA International Small Cap Value
          Portfolio may invest not more than 15% of their total assets in
          illiquid securities;
    
     (8)  engage in the business of underwriting securities issued by others;
   
     (9)  invest for the purpose of exercising control over management of any
          company; provided that the U.S. 9-10 Small Company, U.S. 4-10 Value ,
          Tax-Managed U.S. 5-10 Value, Tax-Managed U.S. 6-10 Small Company ,
          Tax-Managed U.S. Marketwide Value and Tax-Managed DFA International
          Value Portfolio are not subject to this limitation;
    
   
     (10) invest its assets in securities of any investment company, except in
          connection with a merger, acquisition of assets, consolidation or
          reorganization; provided that (a) the DFA Real Estate Securities
          Portfolio may invest in a REIT that is registered as an investment
          company; (b) each of the U.S. 4-10 Value, Enhanced U.S. Large Company,
          Emerging Markets, Emerging Markets Small Cap, Emerging Markets Value,
          International Small Company, U.S. 9-10 Small Company, Tax-Managed
          U.S. 5-10 Value, Tax-Managed U.S. 6-10 Small Company, Tax-Managed U.S.
          Marketwide Value and Tax-Managed DFA International Value Portfolios
          may invest their assets in securities of investment companies and
          units of such companies such as, but not limited to, S&P Depository
          Receipts;
    
   
     (11) invest more than 5% of its total assets in securities of companies
          which have (with predecessors) a record of less than three years'
          continuous operation; except this limitation does not apply to the
          U.S. 9-10 Small Company, U.S. 4-10 Value, Tax-Managed  U.S. 5-10
          Value, Tax-Managed U.S. 6-10 Small Company, Tax-Managed U.S.
          Marketwide Value, Tax-Managed DFA International Value, Emerging
          Markets Value and DFA Real Estate Securities Portfolios;
    
     (12) acquire any securities of companies within one industry if, as a
          result of such acquisition, more than 25% of the value of the
          Portfolio's total assets would be invested in securities of companies
          within such industry; except that (a) DFA One-Year Fixed Income and


                                          7
<PAGE>

          DFA Two-Year Global Fixed Income Portfolios shall invest more than 25%
          of its total assets in obligations of banks and bank holding companies
          in the circumstances described in the prospectus under "Investments in
          the Banking Industry" and as otherwise described under "Portfolio
          Strategy;" and (b) DFA Real Estate Securities Portfolio shall invest
          more than 25% of its total assets in securities of companies in the
          real estate industry;
   
     (13) write or acquire options (except as described in (1) above) or
          interests in oil, gas or other mineral exploration, leases or
          development programs, except that the Enhanced U.S. Large Company
          Portfolio, the U.S. 4-10 Value Portfolio, Tax-Managed U.S.  5-10 Value
          Portfolio, Tax-Managed U.S. 6-10 Small Company Portfolio, Tax-Managed
          U.S.  Marketwide Value Portfolio, Tax-Managed DFA International Value
          Portfolio and Emerging Markets Value Portfolio may write or acquire
          options;
    
   
     (14) purchase warrants, however, the Domestic and International Equity
          Portfolios may acquire warrants as a result of corporate actions
          involving their holdings of other equity securities; provided that the
          U.S. 4-10 Value Portfolio, Tax-Managed U.S.  5-10 Value Portfolio,
          Tax-Managed U.S. 6-10 Small Company Portfolio, Tax-Managed U.S.
          Marketwide Value Portfolio, Tax-Managed DFA International Value
          Portfolio and Emerging Markets Value Portfolio are not subject to this
          limitation;
    
   
     (15) purchase securities on margin or sell short; provided that the
          U.S. 4-10 Value Portfolio, Tax-Managed U.S.  5-10 Value Portfolio,
          Tax-Managed U.S. 6-10 Small Company Portfolio, Tax-Managed U.S.
          Marketwide Value Portfolio, Tax-Managed DFA International Value
          Portfolio and Emerging Markets Value Portfolio are not subject to the
          limitation on selling securities short;
    
   
     (16) acquire more than 10% of the voting securities of any issuer; provided
          that (a) this limitation applies only to 75% of the assets of the DFA
          Real Estate Securities Portfolio, the Value Portfolios, the Emerging
          Markets Portfolio, the Emerging Markets Small Cap Portfolio, the DFA
          International Small Cap Value Portfolio and the Emerging Markets Value
          Portfolio; and (b) the Tax-Managed U.S. 5-10 Value Portfolio,
          Tax-Managed U.S. 6-10 Small Company Portfolio, Tax-Managed DFA
          International Value Portfolio, Tax-Managed U.S. Marketwide Value
          Portfolio and U.S. 9-10 Small Company Portfolio are not subject to
          this limitation; or
    
     (17) issue senior securities (as such term is defined in Section 18(f) of
          the 1940 Act), except to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act.

     The investment limitations described in (3), (7), (9), (10), (11), (12) and
(16) above do not prohibit each Feeder Portfolio and International Small Company
Portfolio from investing all or substantially all of its assets in the shares of
another registered, open-end investment company, such as the Master Funds or the
Underlying Series, respectively.  The investment limitations of each Master Fund
are the same as those of the corresponding Feeder Portfolio.

     The investment limitations described in (1) and (15) above do not prohibit
each Portfolio that may purchase or sell financial futures contracts and options
thereon from making margin deposits to the extent permitted under applicable
regulations; and the investment limitations described in (1), (13) and (15)
above do not prohibit the Enhanced U.S. Large Company Portfolio from:  (i)
making margin deposits in connection with transactions in options; and (ii)
maintaining a short position, or purchasing, writing or selling puts, calls,
straddles, spreads or combinations thereof in connection with transactions in
options, futures, and options on futures and transactions arising under swap
agreements or other derivative instruments.

     For purposes of (5) above, the Emerging Markets Portfolio, Emerging Markets
Small Cap Portfolio and Emerging Markets Value Portfolio (indirectly through
their investment in the corresponding Master Funds) may borrow in connection
with a foreign currency transaction or the settlement of a portfolio trade.  The
only type of borrowing contemplated thereby is the use of a letter of credit
issued on such Master Fund's behalf in lieu of


                                          8
<PAGE>

depositing initial margin in connection with currency futures contracts, and the
Master Funds have no present intent to engage in any other types of borrowing
transactions under this authority.

     Although (2) above prohibits cash loans, the Portfolios are authorized to
lend portfolio securities.  Inasmuch as the Feeder Portfolios and International
Small Company Portfolio will only hold shares of certain Master Funds or
Underlying Series, respectively, these Portfolios do not intend to lend those
shares.

     For the purposes of (7) above, DFA One-Year Fixed Income Portfolio, DFA
Two-Year Global Fixed Income Portfolio (indirectly through their investment in
the corresponding Series) and DFA Five-Year Global Fixed Income Portfolio may
invest in commercial paper that is exempt from the registration requirements of
the Securities Act of 1933 (the "1933 Act") subject to the requirements
regarding credit ratings stated in the prospectus under "Description of
Investments."  Further, pursuant to Rule 144A under the 1933 Act, the Portfolios
may purchase certain unregistered (i.e. restricted) securities upon a
determination that a liquid institutional market exists for the securities.  If
it is decided that a liquid market does exist, the securities will not be
subject to the 10% or 15% limitation on holdings of illiquid securities stated
in (7) above.  While maintaining oversight, the Board of Directors has delegated
the day-to-day function of making liquidity determinations to the Advisor.  For
Rule 144A securities to be considered liquid, there must be at least two dealers
making a market in such securities.  After purchase, the Board of Directors and
the Advisor will continue to monitor the liquidity of Rule 144A securities.
   
     Although not a fundamental policy subject to shareholder approval:  (1) the
Large Cap International and Small Company Portfolios, including the U.S. 6-10
Small Company, Tax-Managed U.S. 6-10 Small Company, Japanese Small Company,
Pacific Rim Small Company, United Kingdom Small Company and Continental Small
Company Portfolios indirectly through their investment in the Master Funds, do
not intend to purchase interests in any real estate investment trust; and (2)
the Enhanced U.S. Large Company, U.S. 4-10 Value, Tax-Managed U.S.  5-10 Value,
Tax-Managed U.S. 6-10 Small Company, Tax-Managed U.S.  Marketwide Value,
Tax-Managed DFA International Value, DFA Two-Year Global Fixed Income,
International Small Company, Emerging Markets Small Cap and Emerging Markets
Value Portfolios (directly or indirectly through their investment in the Master
Funds or Underlying Series, as applicable) do not intend to invest more than 15%
of their net assets in illiquid securities.
    
   
     The International Equity, DFA Two-Year Global Fixed Income and DFA
Five-Year Global Fixed Income Portfolios (directly or indirectly through their
investment in the Master Funds or Underlying Series, as applicable) may acquire
and sell forward foreign currency exchange contracts in order to hedge against
changes in the level of future currency rates.  Such contracts involve an
obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency at a future date at a price
set in the contract.  While each Value Portfolio, the RWB/DFA International High
Book to Market Portfolio, the Tax-Managed DFA International Value Portfolio and
the DFA Real Estate Securities Portfolio (directly or indirectly through their
investment in the Trust Series), have retained authority to buy and sell
financial futures contracts and options thereon, they have no present intention
to do so.
    
     Notwithstanding any of the above investment restrictions, the Emerging
Markets Series, the Emerging Markets Small Cap Series and the Emerging Markets
Fund may establish subsidiaries or other similar vehicles for the purpose of
conducting their investment operations in Approved Markets, if such subsidiaries
or vehicles are required by local laws or regulations governing foreign
investors such as the Series or the Emerging Markets Fund or whose use is
otherwise considered by the Series or the Emerging Markets Fund to be advisable.
Each Series or the Emerging Markets Fund would "look through" any such vehicle
to determine compliance with its investment restrictions.

     Subject to future regulatory guidance, for purposes of those investment
limitations identified above that are based on total assets, "total assets"
refers to the assets that the Portfolios and Master Funds own, and does not
include assets which the Portfolios and Master Funds do not own but over which
they have effective control.  For example, when applying a percentage investment
limitation that is based on total assets, a Portfolio or Series will exclude
from its total assets those assets which represent collateral received by the
Portfolio or Series for its securities lending transactions.

     Unless otherwise indicated, all limitations applicable to the Portfolios'
and Master Funds' investments apply only at the time that a transaction is
undertaken.  Any subsequent change in a rating assigned by any rating service to
a security or change in the percentage of a Portfolio's or Master Funds' assets
invested in certain securities or


                                          9
<PAGE>

other instruments resulting from market fluctuations or other changes in a
Portfolio's or Master Fund's total assets will not require a Portfolio or Master
Fund to dispose of an investment until the Advisor determines that it is
practicable to sell or closeout the investment without undue market or tax
consequences.  In the event that ratings services assign different ratings to
the same security, the Advisor will determine which rating it believes best
reflects the security's quality and risk at that time, which may be the higher
of the several assigned ratings.


                               OPTIONS ON STOCK INDICES

     The Enhanced U.S. Large Company Series may purchase and sell options on
stock indices.  With respect to the sale of call options on stock indices,
pursuant to published positions of the Securities and Exchange Commission
("Commission"), the Enhanced U.S. Large Company Series will either (1) maintain
with its custodian liquid assets equal to the contract value (less any margin
deposits); (2) hold a portfolio of stocks substantially replicating the movement
of the index underlying the call option; or (3) hold a separate call on the same
index as the call written where the exercise price of the call held is (a) equal
to or less than the exercise price of the call written, or (b) greater than the
exercise price of the call written, provided the difference is maintained by the
Series in liquid assets in a segregated account with its custodian.  With
respect to the sale of put options on stock indices, pursuant to published
Commission positions, the Enhanced U.S. Large Company Series will either (1)
maintain liquid assets equal to the exercise price (less any margin deposits) in
a segregated account with its custodian; or (2) hold a put on the same index as
the put written where the exercise price of the put held is (a) equal to or
greater than the exercise price of the put written, or (b) less than the
exercise price of the put written, provided an amount equal to the difference is
maintained by the Series in liquid assets in a segregated account with its
custodian.

     Prior to the earlier of exercise or expiration, an option may be closed out
by an offsetting purchase or sale of an option of the same series (type,
exchange, underlying index, exercise price, and expiration). There can be no
assurance, however, that a closing purchase or sale transaction can be effected
when the Enhanced U.S. Large Company Series desires.

     The Enhanced U.S. Large Company Series will realize a gain from a closing
purchase transaction if the cost of the closing option is less than the premium
received from writing the option, or, if it is more, the Series will realize a
loss.  The principal factors affecting the market value of a put or a call
option include supply and demand, interest rates, the current market price of
the underlying index in relation to the exercise price of the option, the
volatility of the underlying index, and the time remaining until the expiration
date.

     If an option written by the Enhanced U.S. Large Company Series expires, the
Series realizes a gain equal to the premium received at the time the option was
written.  If an option purchased by the Enhanced U.S. Large Company Series
expires unexercised, the Series realizes a loss equal to the premium paid.

     The premium paid for a put or call option purchased by the Enhanced U.S.
Large Company Series is an asset of the Series.  The premium received for an
option written by the Series is recorded as a deferred credit.  The value of an
option purchased or written is marked to market daily and is valued at the
closing price on the exchange on which it is traded or, if not traded on an
exchange or no closing price is available, at the mean between the last bid and
asked prices.

RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH OPTIONS ON INDICES

     There are several risks associated with transactions in options on indices.
For example, there are significant differences between the securities and
options markets that could result in an imperfect correlation between these
markets, causing a given transaction not to achieve its objectives.  The value
of an option position will reflect, among other things, the current market price
of the underlying index, the time remaining until expiration, the relationship
of the exercise price, the term structure of interest rates, estimated price
volatility of the underlying index and general market conditions.  A decision as
to whether, when and how to use options involves the exercise of skill and
judgment, and even a well conceived transaction may be unsuccessful to some
degree because of market behavior or unexpected events.

     Options normally have expiration dates of up to 90 days.  The exercise
price of the options may be below, equal to or above the current market value of
the underlying index.  Purchased options that expire unexercised have


                                          10
<PAGE>

no value.  Unless an option purchased by the Enhanced U.S. Large Company Series
is exercised or unless a closing transaction is effected with respect to that
position, the Enhanced U.S. Large Company Series will realize a loss in the
amount of the premium paid and any transaction costs.

     A position in an exchange-listed option may be closed out only on an
exchange that provides a secondary market for identical options.  Although the
Enhanced U.S. Large Company Series intends to purchase or write only those
options for which there appears to be an active secondary market, there is no
assurance that a liquid secondary market will exist for any particular option at
any specific time.  Closing transactions may be effected with respect to options
traded in the over the counter markets only by negotiating directly with the
other party to the option contract, or in a secondary market for the option if
such a market exists.  There can be no assurance that the Enhanced U.S. Large
Company Series will be able to liquidate an over the counter option at a
favorable price at any time prior to expiration.  In the event of insolvency of
the counter-party, the Series may be unable to liquidate an over the counter
option.  Accordingly, it may not be possible to effect closing transactions with
respect to certain options, with the result that the Enhanced U.S. Large Company
Series would have to exercise those options which they have purchased in order
to realize any profit.  With respect to options written by the Enhanced U.S.
Large Company Series, the inability to enter into a closing transaction may
result in material losses to the Series.

     Index prices may be distorted if trading of a substantial number of
securities included in the index is interrupted causing the trading of options
on that index to be halted.  If a trading halt occurred, the Enhanced U.S. Large
Company Series would not be able to close out options which it had purchased and
may incur losses if the underlying index moved adversely before trading resumed.
If a trading halt occurred and restrictions prohibiting the exercise of options
were imposed through the close of trading on the last day before expiration,
exercises on that day would be settled on the basis of a closing index value
that may not reflect current price information for securities representing a
substantial portion of the value of the index.

     The Enhanced U.S. Large Company Series' activities in the options markets
may result in higher fund turnover rates and additional brokerage costs;
however, the Series may also save on commissions by using options as a hedge
rather than buying or selling individual securities in anticipation or as a
result of market movements.

INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS ON OPTIONS TRANSACTIONS

     The ability of the Enhanced U.S. Large Company Series to engage in options
transactions is subject to certain limitations.  The Enhanced U.S. Large Company
Series will only invest in over-the-counter options to the extent consistent
with the 15% limit on investments in illiquid securities.

                                  FUTURES CONTRACTS

     Please note that while the following discussion relates to the policies of
certain Portfolios with respect to futures contracts, it should be understood
that with respect to a Feeder Portfolio, the discussion applies to the Master
Fund in which the Feeder Portfolio invests all of its assets and, with respect
to the International Small Company Portfolio, the Underlying Series.
   
     All Portfolios, except the U.S. 9-10, 6-10 Small Company and Tax-Managed
U.S. 6-10 Small Company Portfolios, the DFA One-Year Fixed Income Portfolio and
the DFA Five-Year Government Portfolio, may enter into futures contracts and
options on futures contracts.  Such Portfolios (with the exception of Enhanced
U.S. Large Company Portfolio and its corresponding Master Fund) may enter into
futures contracts and options on future contracts only for the purpose of
remaining fully invested and to maintain liquidity to pay redemptions.  The
Enhanced U.S. Large Company Portfolio may use futures contracts and options
thereon to hedge against securities prices or as part of its overall investment
strategy.
    
     Futures contracts provide for the future sale by one party and purchase by
another party of a specified amount of defined securities at a specified future
time and at a specified price.  Futures contracts which are standardized as to
maturity date and underlying financial instrument are traded on national futures
exchanges.  The Portfolios or Master Funds will be required to make a margin
deposit in cash or government securities with a broker or custodian to initiate
and maintain positions in futures contracts.  Minimal initial margin
requirements are established by the futures exchange and brokers may establish
margin requirements which are higher than the exchange requirements.  After a
futures contract position is opened, the value of the contract is marked to
market


                                          11
<PAGE>

daily.  If the futures contract price changes to the extent that the margin 
on deposit does not satisfy margin requirements, payment of additional 
"variation" margin will be required.  Conversely, reduction in the contract 
value may reduce the required margin resulting in a repayment of excess 
margin to the Portfolio or Master Fund.  Variation margin payments are made 
to and from the futures broker for as long as the contract remains open.  The 
Portfolios or Master Funds expect to earn income on their margin deposits.  
To the extent that a Master Fund or Portfolio invests in futures contracts 
and options thereon for other than bona fide hedging purposes, no Master 
Fund. or Portfolio will enter into such transactions if, immediately 
thereafter, the sum of the amount of initial margin deposits and premiums 
paid for open futures options would exceed 5% of the Master Fund's or 
Portfolio's total assets, after taking into account unrealized profits and 
unrealized losses on such contracts it has entered into; provided, however, 
that, in the case of an option that is in the money at the time of purchase, 
the in the money amount may be excluded in calculating the 5%.  Pursuant to 
published positions of the Commission, the Portfolios or Master Funds may be 
required to maintain segregated accounts consisting of liquid assets, (or, as 
permitted under applicable regulation, enter into offsetting positions) in 
connection with its futures contract transactions in order to cover its 
obligations with respect to such contracts.

     Positions in futures contracts may be closed out only on an exchange which
provides a secondary market.  However, there can be no assurance that a liquid
secondary market will exist for any particular futures contract at any specific
time.  Therefore, it might not be possible to close a futures position and, in
the event of adverse price movements, the Portfolio or Master Fund would
continue to be required to make variation margin deposits.  In such
circumstances, if the Portfolio or Master Fund has insufficient cash, it might
have to sell portfolio securities to meet daily margin requirements at a time
when it might be disadvantageous to do so.  Management intends to minimize the
possibility that it will be unable to close out a futures contract by only
entering into futures which are traded on national futures exchanges and for
which there appears to be a liquid secondary market.


                          FEDERAL TAX TREATMENT OF OPTIONS,
                       FUTURES CONTRACTS AND SIMILAR POSITIONS

     The investment by a Portfolio (or in the case of a Feeder Portfolio, by its
corresponding Master Fund) and, in the case of the International Small Company
Portfolio by the Underlying Series, in options, futures contracts and options on
futures contracts is subject to many complex and special tax rules.  For
example, options on stock and on narrow-based stock indexes will generally
produce long-term or short-term capital gain or loss upon the exercise, lapse,
or closing out of the option or sale of the underlying stock or security. By
contrast, the treatment by a Portfolio or Master Fund of certain other options,
futures and forward contracts is generally governed by Section 1256 of the Code.
These "Section 1256" positions generally include listed options on debt
securities, options on broad-based stock indexes, options on futures contracts,
regulated futures contracts and certain foreign currency contracts and options
thereon.

     Absent a tax election to the contrary, each such Section 1256 position held
by a Portfolio or Master Fund will be marked-to-market (i.e., treated as if it
were sold for fair market value) on the last business day of a Portfolio's or
Master Fund's fiscal year, and all gain or loss associated with fiscal year
transactions and marked-to-market positions at fiscal year end (except certain
currency gain or loss covered by Section 988 of the Code) will generally be
treated as 60% long-term capital gain or loss and 40% short-term capital gain or
loss.  The effect of Section 1256 marked-to-market rules may be to accelerate
income or to convert what otherwise would have been long-term capital gains into
short-term capital gains or short-term capital losses into long-term capital
losses within a Portfolio or Master Fund.  The acceleration of income on Section
1256 positions may require a Portfolio or Master Fund to accrue taxable income
without the corresponding receipt of cash.  In order to generate cash to satisfy
the distribution requirements of the Code, a Portfolio or Master Fund may be
required to dispose of portfolio securities that it otherwise would have
continued to hold or to use cash flows from other sources such as the sale of a
Portfolio's or Master Fund's shares.  In these ways, any or all of these rules
may affect both the amount, character and timing of income distributed to
shareholders by a Portfolio.

     When a Portfolio (or in the case of a Feeder Portfolio, the Master Fund
and, in the case of the International Small Company Portfolio, the Underlying
Series) holds an option or contract which substantially diminishes a Portfolio's
or Master Fund's risk of loss with respect to another position of a Portfolio or
Master Fund (as might occur in some hedging transactions), this combination of
positions could be treated as a "straddle" for tax purposes, resulting in
possible deferral of losses, adjustments in the holding periods of a Portfolio's
or Master Fund's securities


                                          12
<PAGE>

and conversion of short-term capital losses into long-term capital losses.
Certain tax elections exist for mixed straddles (i.e., straddles comprised of at
least one Section 1256 position and at least one non-Section 1256 position)
which may reduce or eliminate the operation of these straddle rules.

     The Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 has added new provisions for dealing with
transactions that are generally called "Constructive Sale Transactions."  Under
these rules, a Portfolio or Series must recognize gain (but not loss) on any
constructive sale of an appreciated financial position in stock, a partnership
interest or certain debt instruments.  A Portfolio or Series will generally be
treated as making a constructive sale when it:  1) enters into a short sale on
the same property, 2) enters into an offsetting notional principal contract, or
3) enters into a futures or forward contract to deliver the same or
substantially similar property.  Other transactions (including certain financial
instruments called collars) will be treated as constructive sales as provided in
Treasury regulations to be published.  There are also certain exceptions that
apply for transactions that are closed before the end of the 30th day after the
close of the taxable year.

     A Portfolio (or in the case of a Feeder Portfolio, the Master Fund or
Underlying Series) will monitor its transactions in such options and contracts
and may make certain other tax elections in order to mitigate the effect of the
above rules and to prevent disqualification of a Portfolio or Master Fund as a
regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Code.


                                DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS

     The names, locations and dates of birth of the Directors and officers of
the Fund and a brief statement of their present positions and principal
occupations during the past five years is set forth below.

DIRECTORS
   
     David G. Booth*, (12/2/46), Director, President and Chairman Chief
Executive Officer, Santa Monica, CA. President, Chairman-Chief Executive Officer
and Director of the following companies:  Dimensional Fund Advisors Inc., DFA
Securities Inc., DFA Australia Limited, Dimensional Investment Group Inc.
(registered investment company) and Dimensional Emerging Markets Value Fund Inc.
(registered investment company). Trustee, President and Chairman-Chief Executive
Officer of The DFA Investment Trust Company (registered investment company).
Chairman and Director, Dimensional Fund Advisors Ltd.
    
   
     George M. Constantinides, (9/22/47), Director, Chicago, IL. Leo Melamed
Professor of Finance, Graduate School of Business, University of Chicago.
Trustee, The DFA Investment Trust Company. Director, Dimensional Investment
Group Inc. and Dimensional Emerging Markets Value Fund Inc.
    
   
     John P. Gould, (1/19/39), Director, Chicago, IL. Steven G. Rothmeier
Distinguished Service Professor of Economics, Graduate School of Business,
University of Chicago. Trustee, The DFA Investment Trust Company and First
Prairie Funds (registered investment companies). Director, Dimensional
Investment Group Inc., Dimensional Emerging Markets Value Fund Inc. and Harbor
Investment Advisors. Executive Vice President, Lexecon Inc. (economics, law,
strategy and finance consulting).
    
   
     Roger G. Ibbotson, (5/27/43), Director, New Haven, CT. Professor in
Practice of Finance, Yale School of Management. Trustee, The DFA Investment
Trust Company. Director, Dimensional Investment Group Inc., Dimensional Emerging
Markets Value Fund Inc., Hospital Fund, Inc. (investment management services)
and BIRR Portfolio Analysis, Inc. (software products). Chairman and President,
Ibbotson Associates, Inc., Chicago, IL (software, data, publishing and
consulting).
    
   
     Merton H. Miller, (5/16/23), Director, Chicago, IL. Robert R. McCormick
Distinguished Service Professor Emeritus, Graduate School of Business,
University of Chicago. Trustee, The DFA Investment Trust Company. Director,
Dimensional Investment Group Inc. and Dimensional Emerging Markets Value Fund
Inc. and Public Director, Chicago Mercantile Exchange.
    
   
     Myron S. Scholes, (7/1/41), Director, Greenwich, CT. Limited Partner,
Long-Term Capital Management L.P. (money manager). Frank E. Buck Professor
Emeritus of Finance, Graduate School of Business and Professor of


                                          13
<PAGE>

Law, Law School, Senior Research Fellow, Hoover Institution, (all) Stanford
University.  Trustee, The DFA Investment Trust Company. Director, Dimensional
Investment Group Inc., Dimensional Emerging Markets Value Fund Inc., Benham
Capital Management Group of Investment Companies and Smith Breeden Group of
Investment Companies.
    
   
     Rex A. Sinquefield*, (9/7/44), Director, Chairman-Chief Investment Officer,
Santa Monica, CA. Chairman-Chief Investment Officer and Director, Dimensional
Fund Advisors Inc., DFA Securities Inc., DFA Australia Limited, Dimensional
Investment Group Inc. and Dimensional Emerging Markets Value Fund Inc. Trustee,
Chairman-Chief Investment Officer of The DFA Investment Trust Company. Chairman,
Chief Executive Officer and Director, Dimensional Fund Advisors Ltd.
    
* Interested Director of the Fund.

OFFICERS
   
     Each of the officers listed below hold the same office (except as otherwise
noted) in the following entities:  Dimensional Fund Advisors Inc., DFA
Securities Inc., DFA Australia Limited, Dimensional Investment Group Inc., The
DFA Investment Trust Company, Dimensional Fund Advisors Ltd., and Dimensional
Emerging Markets Value Fund Inc.
    
     Arthur Barlow, (11/7/55), Vice President, Santa Monica, CA.

     Truman Clark, (4/8/41), Vice President, Santa Monica, CA. Consultant until
October 1995 and Principal and Manager of Product Development, Wells Fargo Nikko
Investment Advisors, San Francisco, CA from 1990-1994.

     Maureen Connors, (11/17/36), Vice President and Assistant Secretary, Santa
Monica, CA.

     Robert Deere, (10/8/57), Vice President, Santa Monica, CA.

     Irene R. Diamant, (7/16/50), Vice President and Secretary (for all entities
other than Dimensional Fund Advisors Ltd.), Santa Monica, CA.

     Richard Eustice, (8/5/65), Vice President and Assistant Secretary (for all
entities other than Dimensional Fund Advisors Ltd.), Santa Monica, CA.

     Eugene Fama, Jr., (1/21/61), Vice President, Santa Monica, CA.

     Kamyab Hashemi-Nejad, (1/22/61), Vice President, Controller and Assistant
Treasurer, Santa Monica, CA.

     Stephen P. Manus, (12/26/50), Vice President, Santa Monica, CA. Managing
Director, ANB Investment Management and Trust Company from 1985-1993; President,
ANB Investment Management and Trust Company from 1993-1997.

     Karen McGinley, (3/10/66), Vice President, Santa Monica, CA.

     Catherine L. Newell, (5/7/64), Vice President and Assistant Secretary (for
all entities other than Dimensional Fund Advisors Ltd.), Santa Monica, CA.
Associate, Morrison & Foerster, LLP from 1989 to 1996.

     David Plecha, (10/26/61), Vice President, Santa Monica, CA.

     George Sands, (2/8/56), Vice President, Santa Monica, CA.

     Michael T. Scardina, (10/12/55), Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
and Treasurer, Santa Monica, CA.

     Jeanne C. Sinquefield, Ph.D., (12/2/46), Executive Vice President, Santa
Monica, CA.


                                          14
<PAGE>

     Scott Thornton, (3/1/63), Vice President, Santa Monica, CA.

     Weston Wellington, (3/1/51), Vice President, Santa Monica, CA. Director of
Research, LPL Financial Services, Inc., Boston, MA from 1987 to 1994.

     Rex A. Sinquefield and Jeanne C. Sinquefield are husband and wife.

     Directors and officers as a group own less than 1% of the Fund's
outstanding stock.

     Set forth below is a table listing, for each director entitled to receive
compensation, the compensation received from the Fund during the fiscal year
ended November 30, 1997 and the total compensation received from all four
registered investment companies for which the Advisor serves as investment
advisor during that same fiscal year.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DIRECTOR                             AGGREGATE      TOTAL COMPENSATION FROM
- --------                           COMPENSATION              FUND
                                     FROM FUND         AND FUND COMPLEX
                                   ------------     -----------------------
<S>                                <C>              <C>
George M. Constantinides              $15,000               $30,000
John P. Gould                         $15,000               $30,000
Roger G. Ibbotson                     $15,000               $30,000
Merton H. Miller                      $15,000               $30,000
Myron S. Scholes                      $15,000               $30,000
</TABLE>

                               ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

     PFPC Inc. ("PFPC") serves as the accounting services, dividend disbursing
and transfer agent for all Fund Portfolios and Master Funds.  The services
provided by PFPC are subject to supervision by the executive officers and the
Board of Directors of the Fund, and include day-to-day keeping and maintenance
of certain records, calculation of the offering price of the shares, preparation
of reports, liaison with its custodians, and transfer and dividend disbursing
agency services.  For its services, each of the Portfolios listed below pays
PFPC annual fees which are set forth in the following table:

DFA REAL ESTATE SECURITIES PORTFOLIO
     .10% of the first $200 million of net assets
     .075% of the next $200 million of net assets
     .05% of the next $200 million of net assets
     .03% of the next $200 million of net assets
     .02% of net assets over $800 million
The DFA Real Estate Securities Portfolio is subject to a $4,900 per month
minimum fee. PFPC has agreed to limit the minimum fee for this Portfolio from
time to time.
   
LARGE CAP INTERNATIONAL PORTFOLIO
DFA INTERNATIONAL SMALL CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO
TAX-MANAGED DFA INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO
Charges for each Portfolio:
     .1230% of the first $300 million of net assets
     .0615% of the next $300 million of net assets
     .0410% of the next $250 million of net assets
     .0205% of the net assets over $850 million
The Large Cap International Portfolio and the DFA International Small Cap Value
Portfolio are each subject to a $75,000 per year minimum fee. PFPC has agreed to
limit the minimum fee for these Portfolios from time to time.
    
DFA FIVE-YEAR GOVERNMENT PORTFOLIO
DFA INTERMEDIATE GOVERNMENT FIXED INCOME PORTFOLIO
Charges for each Portfolio:


                                          15
<PAGE>

     .0513% of the first $100 million of net assets
     .0308% of the next $100 million of net assets
     .0205% of net assets over $200 million
   
TAX-MANAGED U.S. 6-10 SMALL COMPANY PORTFOLIO
TAX-MANAGED U.S.  5-10 VALUE PORTFOLIO
 .1025% of the first $300 million of net assets
 .0769% of the next $300 million of net assets
 .0513% of the next $250 million of net assets
 .0205% of net assets over $850 million
PFPC has agreed that it may from time to time limit the fee rates.
    
DFA FIVE-YEAR GLOBAL FIXED INCOME PORTFOLIO
     .1230% of the first $150 million of net assets
     .0820% of the next $150 million of net assets
     .0615% of the next $300 million of net assets
     .0410% of the next $250 million of net assets
     .0205% of net assets over $850 million
The DFA Five-Year Global Fixed Income Portfolio is subject to a $75,000 per year
minimum fee. PFPC has agreed to limit the minimum fee for this Portfolio from
time to time.
   
 SERIES TAXED AS A CORPORATION:          SERIES TAXED AS A PARTNERSHIP:
 ONE-YEAR FIXED INCOME PORTFOLIO         JAPANESE SMALL COMPANY PORTFOLIO
 U.S. 9-10 SMALL COMPANY PORTFOLIO       PACIFIC RIM SMALL COMPANY PORTFOLIO
 U.S. 6-10 SMALL COMPANY PORTFOLIO       UNITED KINGDOM SMALL COMPANY PORTFOLIO
 U.S. 4-10 VALUE PORTFOLIO               CONTINENTAL SMALL COMPANY PORTFOLIO
 U.S. LARGE CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO          EMERGING MARKETS PORTFOLIO
 U.S. 6-10 VALUE PORTFOLIO               EMERGING MARKETS SMALL CAP PORTFOLIO
 RWB/DFA INTERNATIONAL HIGH BOOK TO      U.S. LARGE COMPANY PORTFOLIO
 MARKET PORTFOLIO                        TAX-MANAGED U.S. MARKETWIDE VALUE
 EMERGING MARKETS VALUE PORTFOLIO        PORTFOLIO
 ENHANCED U.S. LARGE COMPANY PORTFOLIO
 DFA TWO-YEAR GLOBAL FIXED INCOME
 PORTFOLIO
    
   
PFPC's charges for services to the Feeder Portfolios are based on the number of
Feeder Portfolios investing in each master series and whether the master series
is organized as a corporation or partnership for tax purposes.  PFPC's charges
are allocated amongst the Feeders based on the relative net assets of the
Feeders. For the above portfolios that are Feeder portfolios that invest in
master series  that are taxed as corporations, PFPC's charges in the aggregate
to a group of such Feeder Portfolios $1,000 per month multiplied by the number
of  Feeders.  For the above Feeder Portfolios that invest in master series that
are taxed as partnerships, PFPC Charges $2,600 per month multiplied by the
number of Feeders investing in the master series.
    
INTERNATIONAL SMALL COMPANY PORTFOLIO
     $2,000 per month (includes custodian fees)


                                          16
<PAGE>

                                  OTHER INFORMATION

     For the services it provides as investment advisor to each Portfolio of the
Fund (or, with respect to each Feeder Portfolio, the corresponding Master Fund),
the Advisor is paid a monthly fee calculated as a percentage of average net
assets of the Portfolio (or, with respect to each Feeder Portfolio, the
corresponding Master Fund).  For the fiscal years ended November 30, 1995, 1996
and 1997, the Portfolios (or their corresponding Master Funds) paid management
fees as set forth in the following table:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                1995           1996           1997
                                                                (000)          (000)          (000)
                                                                -----          -----          -----
<S>                                                           <C>            <C>            <C>
U.S. 9-10 Small Company Portfolio (a)                           $4,045         $5,511         $6,538
U.S. 6-10 Small Company Portfolio (b)                           $   57         $   81         $  102
U.S. Large Company Portfolio                                    $   19         $   62         $  160
U.S. 6-10 Value Portfolio (b)                                   $  976         $1,933         $3,534
U.S. Large Cap Value Portfolio (b)                              $  306         $  699         $1,255
DFA Real Estate Securities Portfolio                            $  183         $  251         $  290
Japanese Small Company Portfolio (c)                            $1,704         $1,483         $  258
Pacific Rim Small Company Portfolio (c)                         $1,020         $  772         $  230
United Kingdom Small Company Portfolio (c)                      $1,096         $  636         $  180
Emerging Markets Portfolio (b)                                  $   30         $  111         $  226
Continental Small Company Portfolio (c)                         $1,781         $1,258         $  351
Large Cap International Portfolio                               $  147         $  183         $  211
DFA International Small Cap Value Portfolio                     $  299         $1,877         $2,783
RWB/DFA International High Book to Market Portfolio (b)         $  536         $2,124         $2,997
DFA One-Year Fixed Income Portfolio (b)                         $  311         $  386         $  392
DFA Five-Year Government Portfolio                              $  427         $  402         $  382
DFA Five-Year Global Fixed Income Portfolio                     $  311         $  377         $  519
DFA Intermediate Government Fixed Income Portfolio              $   88         $  131         $  184
Enhanced U.S. Large Company Portfolio (b)                         n/a          $    4         $   17
DFA Two-Year Global Fixed Income Portfolio                        n/a          $  108         $  185
International Small Company Portfolio (d)                         n/a          $  178         $1,019
Emerging Markets Value Portfolio                                $  733         $  865         $1,020
Emerging Markets Small Cap Portfolio (b)                          n/a            n/a          $   47
</TABLE>

- --------------------

(a) Prior to November 30, 1997, the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio had an
investment management agreement with the Advisor; the dollar amount represents
the dollar amount of investment management fees paid by the Portfolio to the
Advisor for the 1995, 1996 and 1997 fiscal years.
(b) The Series has more than one Feeder Portfolio; the dollar amount represents
the total dollar amount of management fees paid by the Series to the Advisor.
(c) Prior to August 9, 1996, the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio had an
investment management agreement with the Advisor; the dollar amount represents
the dollar amount of investment management fees paid to the Advisor by the
Portfolio for fiscal years 1994 and 1995 and by the Portfolio and its
corresponding Series for fiscal year 1996.


                                          17
<PAGE>

(d) Each of the four Underlying Series in which the Portfolio invests its assets
has more than one Feeder Portfolio (which are also included elsewhere in this
table). The dollar amount represents the total dollar amount of management fees
paid by each Underlying Series to the Advisor for the period October 1, 1996
(the Portfolio's commencement of operations) to November 30, 1996 and for the
1997 fiscal year.
   
     The Fund commenced offering shares of DFA International Small Cap Value
Portfolio in December, 1994; DFA Two-Year Global Fixed Income Portfolio in
February, 1996; Enhanced U.S. Large Company Portfolio in July, 1996; and
International Small Company Portfolio in October, 1996. Emerging Markets Small
Cap and Emerging Markets Value Portfolios had not commenced operations as of
November 30, 1996. The U.S. 4-10 Value Portfolio and the Tax-Managed Portfolios
and Series had not commenced operations as of November 30, 1997.
    
     Until September, 1995, The DFA Intermediate Government Fixed Income
Portfolio was named The DFA Intermediate Government Bond Portfolio, The DFA
Five-Year Global Fixed Income Portfolio was named The DFA Global Bond Portfolio,
The Pacific Rim Small Company Portfolio was named The Asia-Australia Small
Company Portfolio, The U.S. Large Cap Value Portfolio was named The U.S. Large
Cap High Book to Market Portfolio, The U.S. 6-10 Value Portfolio was named The
U.S. Small Cap High Book to Market Portfolio, The U.S. 9-10 Small Company
Portfolio was named the Small Company Shares, The DFA One-Year Fixed Income
Portfolio was named The DFA Fixed Income Shares, and The Continental Small
Company Portfolio was named the Continental European Portfolio.  Until February,
1996, RWB/DFA International High Book to Market Portfolio was named DFA
International High Book to Market Portfolio. From September, 1995 until
December, 1996, The DFA Real Estate Securities Portfolio was named DFA/AEW Real
Estate Securities Portfolio. From September, 1995 until August, 1997, the U.S.
6-10 Value Portfolio was named the U.S. Small Cap Value Portfolio.

     PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, the Fund's independent accountants, audits the
Fund's financial statements.


                           PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF SECURITIES
   
     As of October 31, 1998, the following persons beneficially owned 5% or more
of the outstanding stock of the Portfolios, as set forth below:
    
THE U.S. 9-10 SMALL COMPANY PORTFOLIO
   
     Charles Schwab & Company, Inc.-REIN(*)
     101 Montgomery Street
     San Francisco, CA 94104                                    28.73%
    
   
     State Farm Insurance Companies
     One State Farm Plaza
     Bloomington, IL 61710                                      10.13%
    
   
     Charles Schwab & Company, Inc.-CASH(*)
     101 Montgomery Street
     San Francisco, CA 94104                                     7.20%
    
   
     National Electrical Benefit Fund
     1125 15th Street NW
     Washington, DC 20005                                        7.11%
    
   
     PepsiCo Inc. Master Trust
     The Northern Trust Company Trustee
     Chicago, IL 60675                                           6.83%
    

                                          18
<PAGE>

THE U.S. 6-10 SMALL COMPANY PORTFOLIO
   
     McKinsey & Company Master Retirement Trust
     55 E. 52nd Street
     New York, NY 10055                                         27.42%
    
   
     Charles Schwab & Company, Inc.-REIN(*)(1)                  15.50%
    
   
     Salvation Army-ETHQ
     440 W. Nyack Road
     West Nyack, NY 10994                                        9.64%
    
   
     Northern Telecom Inc.
     Bankers Trust Co., Trustee
     34 Exchange Place
     Jersey City, NJ 07302                                       5.90%
    
   
     Credit Union Benefit Services
     P.O. Box 2978
     10 Madison, WI  53701                                       5.27%
    
   
     The Salvation Army Central Territory
     10 W. Algonquin Road
     Des Plaines, IL  60016                                      5.13%
    

THE JAPANESE SMALL COMPANY PORTFOLIO
   
     BellSouth Corporation Master Pension Trust
     1155 Peachtree Street, N.E.
     Atlanta, GA 30367                                          61.41%
    
   
     Charles Schwab & Company, Inc.-REIN(*)(1)                  23.21%
    

THE UNITED KINGDOM SMALL COMPANY PORTFOLIO
   
     BellSouth Corporation Master Pension Trust(1)              62.66%
    
   
     Charles Schwab & Company, Inc.-REIN(*)(1)                  29.95%
    
THE CONTINENTAL SMALL COMPANY PORTFOLIO
   
     BellSouth Corporation Master Pension Trust(1)              61.55%
    
   
     Charles Schwab & Company, Inc.-REIN(*)(1)                  31.58%
    

                                          19
<PAGE>

THE LARGE CAP INTERNATIONAL PORTFOLIO
   
     Charles Schwab & Company, Inc.-REIN(*)(1)                  79.06%
    
   
     Donaldson Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corp.(*)
     P.O. Box 2052
     Jersey City, NJ 07303                                       6.61%
    
THE U.S. LARGE COMPANY PORTFOLIO
   
     Charles Schwab & Company, Inc.-REIN(*)(1)                  67.26%
    
   
     Charles Schwab & Company, Inc.-CASH(*)(1)                  14.44%
    
   
     Donaldson Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corp.(*)(1)          5.29%
    
THE DFA ONE-YEAR FIXED INCOME PORTFOLIO
   
     Charles Schwab & Company, Inc.-REIN(*)(1)                  29.71%
    
   
     Charles Schwab & Company, Inc.-CASH(*)(1)                  15.12%
    
   
     Peoples Energy Corporation Pension Trust
     130 E. Randolph Dr., 24th Floor
     Chicago, IL 60601                                           7.10%
    
   
     The McConnell Foundation
     P.O. Box 492050
     Redding, CA  96049                                          5.31%
    
THE DFA FIVE-YEAR GOVERNMENT PORTFOLIO
   
     Charles Schwab & Company, Inc.-REIN(*)(1)                  53.35%
    
   
     Charles Schwab & Company, Inc.-CASH(*)(1)                  19.69%
    
   
     Donaldson Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corp.(*)(1)          6.48%
    
   
     FTC & CO(*)
     P.O. Box 173736
     Denver, CO  80217                                           6.41%
    

THE DFA FIVE-YEAR GLOBAL FIXED INCOME PORTFOLIO
   
     Charles Schwab & Company, Inc.-REIN(*)(1)                  48.52%
    
   
     Charles Schwab & Company, Inc.-CAP(*)(1)                   19.79%
    
   
     Charles Schwab & Company, Inc.-CASH(*)(1)                  14.87%
    
   
     Donaldson Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corp.(*)(1)          5.38%
    

                                          20
<PAGE>

THE DFA INTERMEDIATE GOVERNMENT FIXED INCOME PORTFOLIO
   
     Charles Schwab & Company, Inc.-CAP(*)(1)                   84.19%
    
   
     Charles Schwab & Company, Inc.-REIN(*)(1)                   9.35%
    
PACIFIC RIM SMALL COMPANY PORTFOLIO
   
     BellSouth Corporation Master Pension Trust(1)              72.98%
    
   
     Charles Schwab & Company, Inc.-REIN(*)(1)                  16.42%
    
U.S. LARGE CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO
   
     Charles Schwab & Company, Inc.-REIN(*)(1)                  52.44%
    
   
     Charles Schwab & Company, Inc.-CASH(*)(1)                  12.90%
    
   
     Charles Schwab & Company, Inc.-CAP(*)(1)                    7.17%
    
   
     Donaldson Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corp.(*)(1)          5.52%
    
DFA REAL ESTATE SECURITIES PORTFOLIO
   
     Charles Schwab & Company, Inc. REIN(*)(1)                  64.99%
    
   
     Charles Schwab & Company, Inc. CASH(*)(1)                  15.72%
    
   
     Donaldson Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corp.(*)(1)          7.13%
    
U.S. 6-10 VALUE PORTFOLIO
   
     Charles Schwab & Company, Inc. REIN(*)(1)                  27.84%
    
   
     Charles Schwab & Company, Inc. CAP(*)(1)                    6.63%
    
   
     Mac & Co.(*)
     P.O. Box 320
     Pittsburgh, PA 15230                                        6.56%
    
   
     Charles Schwab & Company, Inc. CASH(*)(1)                   5.18%
    
RWB/DFA INTERNATIONAL HIGH BOOK TO MARKET PORTFOLIO
   
     Charles Schwab & Company, Inc.-REIN(*)(1)                  90.16%
    
   
     Donaldson Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corp.(*)(1)          9.22%
    
EMERGING MARKETS PORTFOLIO
   
     Charles Schwab & Company, Inc.-REIN(*)(1)                  66.83%
    
   
     Donaldson Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corp.(*)(1)          6.95%
    

                                          21
<PAGE>
   
     California Institute of Technology
     Mail Code 212-31
     Pasadena, CA  91125                                         5.81%
    
U.S. 4-10 VALUE PORTFOLIO

     Dimensional Fund Advisors Inc.
     1299 Ocean Avenue, 11th Floor
     Santa Monica, CA  90401                                   100.00%

DFA INTERNATIONAL SMALL CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO
   
     Charles Schwab & Company, Inc. REIN(*)(1)                  63.73%
    
   
     BellSouth Corporation Master Pension Trust(1)              20.41%
    
DFA TWO-YEAR GLOBAL FIXED INCOME PORTFOLIO
   
     Charles Schwab & Company, Inc.-REIN(*)(1)                  46.26%
    
   
     Charles Schwab & Company, Inc.-CAP(*)(1)                   39.08%
    
ENHANCED U.S. LARGE COMPANY PORTFOLIO
   
     Charles Schwab & Company, Inc.-REIN(*)(1)                  34.04%
    
   
     Charles Schwab & Company, Inc.-CAP(*)(1)                   30.26%
    
   
     Misericordia Home Endowment
     6300 N. Drive Avenue
     Chicago, IL 60660                                          20.20%
    
INTERNATIONAL SMALL COMPANY PORTFOLIO
   
     Charles Schwab & Company, Inc.-REIN(*)(1)                  62.65%

     San Diego County Employees Retirement Association
     1495 Pacific Highway
     San Diego, CA 92101                                        27.15%
    
   
     Donaldson Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corp.(*)(1)          5.48%
    
EMERGING MARKETS SMALL CAP PORTFOLIO
   
     Charles Schwab & Company, Inc.-REIN(*)(1)                  58.82%
    
   
     Birmingham Waterworks Board
     National Bank of Commerce Trustee
     1927 First Avenue North
     Birmingham, AL  35242                                      17.13%
    
   
     Donaldson Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corp.(*)(1)         15.10%
    
   
     FTC & Co.(*)(1)                                             8.92%
    

                                          22
<PAGE>
   
     EMERGING MARKETS VALUE PORTFOLIO
    
   
     Charles Schwab & Company, Inc.-REIN(*)(1)                  62.62%
    
   
     Donaldson Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corp.(*)(1)          9.86%
    
   
     Birmingham Water Works Board(*)(1)                          9.41%
    
   
     Drakes Landing Associates
     100 Drakes Landing Road
     Greenbrae, CA  94965                                        7.03%
    
   
     Sinquefield Family Trust
     c/o Dimensional Fund Advisors Inc.
     1299 Ocean Avenue, 11th Floor
     Santa Monica, CA  90401                                     6.23%
    

- --------------------
(*) Owner of record only.
(1) See address for shareholder previously noted above in list.


                                  PURCHASE OF SHARES

     The following information supplements the information set forth in the
prospectus under the caption "PURCHASE OF SHARES."

     The Fund will accept purchase and redemption orders on each day that the
New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") is open for business, regardless of whether the
Federal Reserve System is closed.  However, no purchases by wire may be made on
any day that the Federal Reserve System is closed.  The Fund will generally be
closed on days that the NYSE is closed.  The NYSE is scheduled to be open Monday
through Friday throughout the year except for days closed to recognize New
Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Good Friday, Memorial
Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.  The Federal
Reserve System is closed on the same days as the NYSE, except that is open on
Good Friday and closed on Columbus Day and Veterans' Day.  Orders for
redemptions and purchases will not be processed if the Fund is closed.  The TSE
is closed on the following days in 1998: January 1, 2, 3 and 15, February 11,
March 21, April 29, May 3, 4 and 5, July 20, September 15 and 23, October 10,
November 3 and 23 and December 23 and 31.  Orders for the purchase and
redemption of shares of the Japanese Small Company Portfolio received on those
days will be priced as of the close of the NYSE on the next day that the TSE is
open for trading.

     The Fund reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to suspend the
offering of shares of any or all Portfolios or reject purchase orders when, in
the judgement of management, such suspension or rejection is in the best
interest of the Fund or a Portfolio.  Securities accepted in exchange for shares
of a Portfolio will be acquired for investment purposes and will be considered
for sale under the same circumstances as other securities in the Portfolio.
Based on the experience of the U.S. 9-10 Small Company Portfolio, management
believes that any dilutive effect of the cost of investing the proceeds of the
sale of the shares of that Portfolio is minimal and, therefore, the shares of
that Portfolio are currently sold at net asset value, without imposition of a
reimbursement fee.  Reimbursement fees may


                                          23
<PAGE>

be charged prospectively from time to time based upon the future experience of
the U.S. 9-10 Small Company Portfolio and other Portfolios.  Any such charges
will be described in the prospectus.


                          REDEMPTION AND TRANSFER OF SHARES

     The following information supplements the information set forth in the
prospectus under the caption "REDEMPTION OF SHARES."

     The Fund may suspend redemption privileges or postpone the date of payment:
(1) during any period when the NYSE is closed, or trading on the NYSE is
restricted as determined by the Commission, (2) during any period when an
emergency exists as defined by the rules of the Commission as a result of which
it is not reasonably practicable for the Fund to dispose of securities owned by
it, or fairly to determine the value of its assets and (3) for such other
periods as the Commission may permit.

     Shareholders may transfer shares of any Portfolio to another person by
making a written request therefore to the Advisor who will transmit the request
to the Fund's Transfer Agent. The request should clearly identify the account
and number of shares to be transferred, and include the signature of all
registered owners and all stock certificates, if any, which are subject to the
transfer. The signature on the letter of request, the stock certificate or any
stock power must be guaranteed in the same manner as described in the prospectus
under "REDEMPTION OF SHARES."  As with redemptions, the written request must be
received in good order before any transfer can be made.


                           CALCULATION OF PERFORMANCE DATA

     Following are quotations of the annualized percentage total returns for the
one, five, and ten-year periods ended November 30, 1997 (as applicable) using
the standardized method of calculation required by the Commission, which is net
of the cost of any current reimbursement fees charged to investors and paid to
the Portfolios.  Also included is a quotation of the annualized percentage total
return for the DFA Two-Year Global Fixed Income Portfolio (for the period from
February 9, 1996, the date of commencement of operations), the Enhanced U.S.
Large Company Portfolio (for the period from July 3, 1996, the date of
commencement of operations) and the International Small Company Portfolio (for
the period from October 1, 1996, the date of commencement of operations) to
November 30, 1997 using the standardized method of calculation required by the
Commission.  Reimbursement fees of 1%, 1.5% and 1.5% were in effect from the
inception of the Japanese, United Kingdom and Continental Small Company
Portfolios, respectively, until June 30, 1995.  A reimbursement fee of 1% was in
effect from the inception of DFA International Small Cap Value Portfolio until
June 30, 1995.  Effective June 30, 1995, the amount of the reimbursement fee was
reduced with respect to Continental Small Company, Pacific Rim Small Company,
Japanese Small Company, Emerging Markets and DFA International Small Cap Value
Portfolios, and eliminated with respect to the United Kingdom Small Company
Portfolio.  The current reimbursement fee for each Portfolio, expressed as a
percentage of the net asset value of the shares of the Portfolios, is as
follows:  Continental Small Company, Pacific Rim Small Company and Emerging
Markets Small Cap Portfolios-1.00%; Japanese Small Company and Emerging Markets
Portfolios-.50%;-DFA International Small Cap Value Portfolio-.675%; and
International Small Company Portfolio-.675%.

     A reimbursement fee of 1% was charged to investors in the U.S. 9-10 Small
Company Portfolio from December 9, 1986 through June 17, 1988.  A reimbursement
fee of 0.75% was charged to investors in the Large Cap International Portfolio
from the date of its inception until March 5, 1992.  In addition, for those
Portfolios in effect for less than one, five, or ten years, the time periods
during which the Portfolios have been active have been substituted for the
periods stated (which in no case extends prior to the effective dates of the
Portfolios' registration statements).

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           ONE-YEAR     FIVE YEARS     TEN YEARS
                                                           --------     ----------     ---------
<S>                                                        <C>          <C>            <C>
U.S. 9-10 Small Company Portfolio . . . . . . . . . . .    27.46        20.80          17.14


                                        24
<PAGE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           ONE-YEAR     FIVE YEARS     TEN YEARS
                                                           --------     ----------     ---------
<S>                                                        <C>          <C>            <C>
U.S. 6-10 Small Company Portfolio . . . . . . . . . . .    26.04        17.24          15.52
                                                                        (69 MONTHS)
U.S. Large Company Portfolio. . . . . . . . . . . . . .    28.25        19.81          19.40
                                                                        (83 MONTHS)
U.S. 6-10 Value Portfolio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    33.49        20.58          n/a
                                                                        (56 MONTHS)
U.S. Large Cap Value Portfolio. . . . . . . . . . . . .    25.10        17.86          n/a
                                                                        (58 MONTHS)
Enhanced U.S. Large Company Portfolio . . . . . . . . .    27.22        37.43          n/a
                                                                        (16 MONTHS)
DFA Real Estate Securities Portfolio. . . . . . . . . .    29.16        13.35          n/a
                                                                        (59 MONTHS)
Japanese Small Company Portfolio. . . . . . . . . . . .    -52.14       -9.95          -4.47

Pacific Rim Small Company Portfolio . . . . . . . . . .    -38.68       3.39           n/a
                                                                        (59 MONTHS)
United Kingdom Small Company Portfolio. . . . . . . . .    8.44         17.50          7.38

Emerging Markets Portfolio. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    -17.70       -1.16          n/a
                                                                        (43 MONTHS)
Continental Small Company Portfolio . . . . . . . . . .    11.89        11.27          8.79
                                                                        (116 MONTHS)
Large Cap International Portfolio . . . . . . . . . . .    2.79         10.90          7.39
                                                                        (76 MONTHS)
RWB/DFA International High Book to Market Portfolio . .    -3.96        7.20           n/a
                                                                        (54 MONTHS)
DFA One-Year Fixed Income Portfolio . . . . . . . . . .    5.72         5.30           6.66

DFA Five-Year Government Portfolio. . . . . . . . . . .    5.39         5.62           7.60

DFA Five-Year Global Fixed Income Portfolio . . . . . .    7.87         8.37           8.69
                                                                        (84 MONTHS)
DFA Intermediate Government Fixed Income Portfolio. . .    6.76         7.31           9.00
                                                                        (85 MONTHS)
DFA International Small Cap Value Portfolio . . . . . .    -21.16       -6.35          n/a
                                                                        (35 MONTHS)
DFA Two-Year Global Fixed Income Portfolio. . . . . . .    5.77         6.39           n/a
                                                                        (22 MONTHS)
International Small Company Portfolio . . . . . . . . .    -21.87       -20.01         n/a
                                                                        (13 MONTHS)
</TABLE>
    

     As the following formula indicates, the average annual total return is
determined by finding the average annual compounded rates of return over the
stated time period that would equate a hypothetical initial purchase order of
$1,000 to its redeemable value (including capital appreciation/depreciation and
dividends and distributions paid and reinvested less any fees charged to a
shareholder account) at the end of the stated time period.  The calculation
assumes that all dividends and distributions are reinvested at the public
offering price on the reinvestment dates during the period . The quotation
assumes the account was completely redeemed at the end of each period and the
deduction of all applicable charges and fees.  According to the Commission
formula:


                                          25
<PAGE>

               
       P(1 + T)n = ERV
where:
       P =     a hypothetical initial payment of $1,000
       T =     average annual total return
       n =     number of years

       ERV =   ending redeemable value of a hypothetical $1,000 payment made at
               the beginning of the one-, five-, and ten-year periods at the end
               of the one-, five-, and ten-year periods (or fractional portion
               thereof).

     In addition to the standardized method of calculating performance used by
the Commission, the Portfolios may disseminate other performance data and may
advertise total return performance calculated on a monthly basis.

     The Portfolios may compare their investment performance to appropriate
market and mutual fund indices and investments for which reliable performance
data is available.  Such indices are generally unmanaged and are prepared by
entities and organizations which track the performance of investment companies
or investment advisors.  Unmanaged indices often do not reflect deductions for
administrative and management costs and expenses. The performance of the
Portfolios may also be compared in publications to averages, performance
rankings, or other information prepared by recognized mutual fund statistical
services.  Any performance information, whether related to the Portfolios or to
the Advisor, should be considered in light of a Portfolio's investment
objectives and policies, characteristics and the quality of the portfolio and
market conditions during the time period indicated and should not be considered
to be representative of what may be achieved in the future.

                                 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

     The audited financial statements and financial highlights of the Fund for
its fiscal year ended November 30, 1997, as set forth in the Fund's annual
report to shareholders, and the report thereon of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
(formerly Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.), independent accountants, also appearing
therein, and the unaudited financial statements for the period ended May 31,
1998, as set forth in the semi-annual report to shareholders, are incorporated
herein by reference.  The annual and semi-annual reports do not contain any data
regarding the Tax-Managed Portfolios and Series because they had not commenced
operations as of May 31, 1998, and the annual report does not contain any data
regarding U.S. 4-10 Value Portfolio because that Portfolio had not commenced
operations as of November 30, 1997.
   
     The audited financial statements of U.S. 6-10 Small Company, U.S. Large
Company, Enhanced U.S. Large Company, DFA One-Year Fixed Income, DFA Two-Year
Global Fixed Income, U.S. 6-10 Value, U.S. Large Cap Value, DFA International
Value, Japanese Small Company, United Kingdom Small Company, Pacific Rim Small
Company, Continental Small Company, Emerging Markets and Emerging Markets Small
Cap Series of the Trust and the audited financial statements of Dimensional
Emerging Markets Fund Inc. for the fiscal year ended November 30, 1997, as set
forth in the Trust's and Dimensional Emerging Markets Value Fund Inc.'s annual
reports to shareholders, and the reports thereon of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
(formerly, Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.), independent accountants, also appearing
therein, and the unaudited financial statements for the period ended
May 31, 1998, as set forth in the semi-annual report to shareholders, are
incorporated herein by reference.
    
     A shareholder may obtain a copy of the reports, upon request and without
charge, by contacting the Fund at the address or telephone number appearing on
the cover of this statement of additional information.


                                          26


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