You can apply in person
I am not sure that all of the local INS centers have this facility, but I am 100% sure about the one office which is in Boston, so you can go in person to the Bosotn office, it dosent matter whether you are from MA or any other state you can get the EAD the very same day. But you have to take your Receipt notice along with you.
These days for EAD the VSC is pretty fast so what Ill say apply EAD along with your other petitions and you ll be all set in couple of weeks.
TG