Nope! Don't apply from home country if you are planning to change your tourist visa to student visa. As I told you earlier you have to apply after 45 days of your arrival or befor 45 days of your visa expiration otherwise USCIS will denied your application. Don't think about university because they will issue SEVIS and I-20 Immediately if your are able to show them all the evidence. I mean to say college is not a important factor to change your status. The important factor is USCIS who has got full authority to accept or denied your application.