@NOTHAPPY - remember this was a brand new PSAT test. First time it has ever been given. The scores from the previous test cannot be compared to the scores from this new test so simply. A 10 point increase does not correlate to students performing significantly better. the ranges for this new test are completely different from the old test. All of the cutoffs will change. Check out the PSAT discussion thread for detailed analysis and discussion of projected cutoffs. You will also find much better explanations than the one I am providing. http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/sat-act-tests-test-preparation/1849640-national-merit-cutoff-predictions-class-of-2017.html#latest