<p>Don't look at the averages. Look at the 75-80 and 70-74 score ranges. Using Illinois as an example, in 2003 it is apparent more people score higher in those ranges in math and writing compared to 2002, which also helps to explain the rise in the cutoffs.</p>
<p>Looking at 2004's (for the class of 2006) data for Illinois, the significant increase of people scoring in the 70-80 ranges will probably mean an increase in Illinois cutoffs to at least 217, more likely 218.</p>