Once, USCIS sent me RFE and I sent the required docs. But,for next 3 weeks, I did not see any updates on USCIS website, I made an INFOPASS and visited to the nearest USCIS loc. The lady just searched my case no, said they will update when they get my documents...She just read the USCIS website updates for me.I was so pissed off..So, I don't think you will get any more information from your nearest USCIS office...But It is good to try..

I think you can apply for college when your case is pending. If you get admitted, they will just have to transfer your sevis and issue a new I-20..It is better to apply a college which issue CPT..coz you can change F1 to H1B while working in CPT...