回复：H-4 to F-1 question

Since you're in valid H-4 status, you can legally attend school anytime without changing H-4 to F-1. The only drawback is that you cannot enjoy the benefits normally accorded to F-1 such as OPT or CPT. If you really want to c/s to F-1, you can attend school while the c/s is pending (this only applies to your case), the official F-1 status starts on the day the c/s is approved.