If you are not in the sensitive major, I think you can just go back to China to get the VISA.
If you are in sensitive major, may just try. Even you go back to China, you will still need to wait for one month when you get check by the VO. I am in a sensitive major and the biginning of spring semester of my university is Jan. 5 2010, and I haven't sent out the materials to USCIS yet. You may not as worry as me.