The PSAT/NMSQT, or Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, is a standardized test designed to help students prepare for the SAT, a college admissions test. In addition to providing practice for the real thing the test also offers students a chance to enter National Merit Scholarship Corporation scholarship programs, which provide financial assistance for qualifying college undergraduates. The test consists of three portions: verbal, math and writing. Most students take the PSAT as high school juniors.

Source: College Board