Can i take the psat test outside of school if i want?

idk i feel kind of lame for not taking it this year (which is my junior year) so idk. and also ill be taking the real sat my senior year right? whats going to be on it? and how do i prepare well. i would ask my counselor but she thinks that EVERYONE is just gonna not make it in life. and i dont need her snarky attitude. soooo any help is appreciated. thanks guys. =D