S4 Q&A: My change of status is still pending and my program starts soon.

 Tell your school now: if approval doesn't arrive in time, schools usually move you to the next intake and issue an updated I-20 with the new start date. Keep your current status as it is, and don't start classes or work on CPT until your F-1 is approved and CPT is authorized. Your consultant checks the new dates still work for your status.