I applied as a self-employed but...

[kikima]

Hi everyone,
I applied as a self-employed but it's look like very long prossess for me. And I want to study on my area as a graduate student. If I can find a school and have been accept by them, I hope my prossess will be shorter.
So I could take my visa. BUT
For being accepted by a school I should take some exams,
and for taking some exams I should be there,
and for be there I need visa.

What do you think about that? isn't is vicious circle?

What can I do? Can I go with tourist visa?
How can I apply for that? Can I apply because my PR aplication prossess is continue.
Thanks,
kikima.