This is a very interesting thread. In regard to simfish's first comment on the applicant who opened the thread, I think that is influenced by the Brand X Web site where he and many other math-eager young people hang out. Simfish and I and other people who hang out on that site get so used to reading about superphenomenal math people that we forget what level of achievement might be enough for what is, after all, a college application to be an undergraduate who receives instruction rather than to be a professor who provides instruction.
I, too, congratulate the OP on the year-on-year AIME score gain--I'm cheering on the young people who will be taking the AIME on Tuesday. Thanks to Ben for putting the numbers into perspective.