Maintaining F-1 status.

[deeptishah12]

Hello,

I studied on H-4 for 2 semesters in an accredited university. Took one course(3 credits) in each semester. As I was not getting F-1 approval, my university used to defer my F-1 from past 2 semesters. Now, I got my F-1 approved.
I have also applied for H-1 this year. So I do not wish to enroll for Fall semester which starts from September 3rd 2013.

1) F-1 Approval date is August 3rd 2013. The final I-20 I got from my college has program start date as September 3rd 2013[Fall semester]. Which is considered my F-1 start date?

2)If I-20 date is considered as start date, deferring F-1 to spring semester will help to maintain status till I get my H-1?

3) If deferral helps, what is my status from the September 3rd till H1 approval?

4) Is there any grace period which allows me to stay without going out of status?

Thanks