THE PSAT/NMSQT WHAT PSAT/NMSQT stands for Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test and National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. This test has two purposes. One, it is a kind of rehearsal for students who plan to take the SAT, which is the test most colleges require for admission. Two, it is used to select students seeking National Merit Scholarships which are awarded spring term of the senior ...