How to advance up the ranks?
It's really best to do it rank by rank, but there is the possibility of jumping two. It's a risky endeavor, though. Whatever tier you apply to rank up to, is the one which will be considered. I.E. Say you are in tier 6, and apply to tier 4. If you're not good enough for tier 4, but are good enough for tier 5, you wouldn't be placed in it because it's not the tier you applied for.
More about ranking up: [TW] TeamWushu - 武 [!] Ranking up! [!] 術


Tier 7 requirements: start improv
You've been playing wushu for a really short amount of time,you can manage to click random joints,and move around a bit.

tier 6 requirements: improv, able to set up anyhow
You understand the very basics of comebacks such as using your wrists and getting the occasional lower/raise shoulder comeback.You don't really have an attack repertoire yet,you mainly depend on counter attacks to get damage.

Tier 5 requirements: improv, able to set up anyhow, can comeback somehow
You are starting to get the hang of comebacks! Getting thrown into different kind of positions is teaching you to adapt,and hence the improvement. You can create something from improvisation even if it is a simple defensive move. Your improvement in comebacks is helping you get closer to your opponent but you still didn't reach your capabilities with attack.

Tier 4 requirements: improv, able to set up proper, can comeback somehow
To clarify: setting ortodox setups on fly
Setting up effectively is not a problem for you anymore, this is your natural instinct, but you still have to pay attention to comebacks

Tier 3 requirements: improv, able to set up proper, can comeback proper
To clarify: setting ortodox setups on fly and able to launch long low comebacks
Comebacks are a ritual for you now.Not to mean that you can set up an agressive comeback everytime or get it right everytime.But,the idea of comebacks is ingrained in your head,and you seek to get that correct comeback position everytime.You can attack more often now,and can win occasionally.Also,your style is shaping up.Whether you try to play smart,go for style each,agressive,defensive...

Tier 2 requirements: improv, able to set up proper, can comeback proper, good in attacks
You are turning into wushu junkie. Wushu within your mind and within your soul. You seek for blood and beg for more and more turnframes.

Tier 1 requirements: improv, able to set up proper, can comeback proper, good in attacks, got wushu forethough movement
Your brain is enhanced with wushu CPU. You are not a human anymore. You are wushu robot.