How long does it take to get a student visa

[drpreeti]

I applied for a Student visa F1 in November...Today i found out that it takes
3-6 months to receive a reply from USCIS...but spring classes are starting in January (they told me i should be able to receive a receipt number in the meanwhile)...what should i do??
On top of that my old visa is expiring in Feb of 2008.....Can it get any wore???
Please share your data so i can compare and get some peace

[PraetorianXI]

What was your previous visa?

[drpreeti]

My previous visa was E2 which expired on august 2007 but i got a 6 month extension at border of US and Mexico. (the officer told me he is not supposed to do that but still renewed my I 94) I hope that won't create more problems.