(Your definition of “absolute best” reflects a lack of understanding of boarding schools. There are lots of brilliant people who are lousy at standardized tests and yet go on to achieve great things in the world. Admitting those with high scores is one way to game school rankings that are based on scores. But having students who are good test takers does not mean that your teachers or curriculum is better. BTW: There are schools with even lower acceptance rates than the ones you are applying to…)