I recently applied for PCC through Chicago Embassy, since I was living in wisconsin I mailed my documents to the consulate.
Their website says you have to send original passport, but you no need to send your original passport - Get the Bio Page notized and send that copy.
I spoke to the consulate officer to ask whether I can get the PCC on the same say - He said no same day PCC. ( Since I have two passport, one issued in India which was expired and one issued by Chicago Consulate. My old passport was issued in India, they have to verify it with Regional Passport Office in India, so it will take 2 - 4 weeks. But I got my PCC in a week. )
If you can get the PCC on same day that's good, but please call them before going.