@applying2schools I’m sure you know this but most of the schools on your list do not require SSATs this year. At least one (Cate) won’t even allow you to submit it.
Also – just to bring in another perspective on the schools you mention with higher admission rates – If it’s “better for you to stay at your current school” for any school other than the five on your list, then it might be “better for you to stay at your current school” for those five schools too. I say this with zero snark. There is truly nothing magical about the schools on your list, and there are LOTS of schools that have similar acceptance rates, similar offerings, similar community benefits. The biggest difference between your current school and these schools is that they are boarding schools, and with that model comes a whole slew of things. Those things are true for many, many boarding schools, not just those very specific five. (Which, TBH, do not seem to follow any one theme. Meaning, it’s not like you are saying, I’m leaving my home school to go pursue horseback riding, and these are the five best horseback riding schools. Your list is a bit all-over. Not a bad thing, actually, because it means you are attracted to a wide variety of options.)
I suppose the bottom line is: Boarding school is a VERY different animal from your current school situation. IF that is really what you want, then I would strongly suggest adding a few to your list – Not necessarily schools that are “easier” to get into; but just a few more schools to give yourself more chances, because no school is a sure thing. But, if ALL schools outside of those 5 feel like it’s “not worth” leaving your current schooling, then I have to wonder if perhaps the whole boarding school model isn’t what you are looking for.
I really mean this as helpful re-framing. If this doesn’t feel helpful, then of course, ignore.
BTW – regarding SSATs – my daughter improved drastically on verbal every time she took it (3 times). Started in the 30’s and that was in November! (and she’s at her first choice low-admit school now.) So don’t feel at all stressed.