I contacted the SBON today & they said my instructor was incorrect in saying we could not register w/Pearson prior to being notified by the State that we could. In fact, the lady from the SBON said we could've registered before we even applied for licensure! So now I'm all registered with Pearson & am just waiting to be declared "Eligible".
To Alex1: Sorry that I came across like I was having a panic attack. My post sounded more frantic than I was, to be honest. I was frustrated, yes, but not frantic. But thank you for the advice, nonetheless.