Since 2008, I’ve helped countless families navigate the prep school selection process. Time and again, I see the same mistakes derail what should be an exciting journey. Let me break down the five most common pitfalls and how to avoid them.
The Price Trap
Many families get caught in the web of deceptive pricing, especially when dealing with basketball academies masquerading as prep schools. Here’s a classic scenario: An academy quotes you $65,000 but offers a generous $45,000 “scholarship,” leaving you with $20,000 to pay. Here’s the truth – it was always going to cost $20,0001. This smoke and mirrors approach is just the beginning. They’ll promise more games, more gym time, and more exposure. Remember this: you get what you pay for. With a brick and mortar prep school you might be talking to multiple schools. If one comes in much cheaper on tuition, be sure it is the right fit of all your options. Don’t let a lower price tag cloud your judgment.
Location Fixation
I frequently hear families justify their choice with statements like, “We have family friends in Boston who can help if something goes wrong” or “Aunt Sally is just three hours away for weekend visits”. While having a support system nearby sounds reassuring, it shouldn’t be a primary factor in your decision. Think realistically – your child might visit these relatives two or three times a year at most. Is that worth potentially compromising their development or their 
satisfaction with a prep school?
The Recommendation Trap
When I ask players who didn’t come through PREP Athletics how they chose their prep school, the answers are eye-opening:
- “My friend went there, so I followed”
- “My trainer sent another kid there who went D1”
- “A college coach gave me three schools to consider”1
With over 100 prep schools offering basketball programs in the US, each with unique characteristics, following generic recommendations is risky. The key is finding the right fit based on playing ability, academics, goals, and finances.
DIY Decision Making
You’ve done your homework – watched our videos, listened to the PREP Athletics podcast, and feel confident in making this decision alone. While I appreciate the dedication, consider this analogy: You can represent yourself in court, or you can hire a lawyer with decades of specialized experience. Our concierge consulting services aren’t just about school selection; we provide:
- Inside knowledge of financial aid processes
- Direct relationships with prep school coaches
- Trade secrets not found in podcasts or websites
- Start-to-finish guidance through the entire process
The Gym Time Obsession
There’s an ongoing arms race regarding gym time promises. Some academies boast up to 12 hours of court time, while traditional prep schools might require multiple sports or other activities. Here’s what matters: quality over quantity. Thirty minutes at game speed will always trump three hours at half speed. Remember, many NBA players came from schools that required them to participate in multiple activities beyond basketball.
Making an Informed Choice
The right prep school choice isn’t about finding the cheapest option or the one promising the most gym time. It’s about finding an environment where your athlete can thrive both on and off the court. Don’t let these common mistakes derail your prep school journey. Take time to research, ask the right questions, and consider working with experts who understand this landscape inside and out.
If you wat to make sure that you make the right choice, reach out to us at PREP Athletics. We’re here to help you explore your potential and make choices that align with your athletic and academic future. We’ve also got a long list of resources to get you started in the right direction, so check out our YouTube or our podcast to dive deeper.