http://www.avvo.com/legal-answers/intenational-student-with-f1-and-granted-temporary-1664867.html

Another completely different view:
http://www.lawqa.com/qa/do-you-recommend-us-to-apply-for-new-tps-as-syrian
Havens & Lichtenberg PLLC | Michael Lichtenberg
There are several advantages of changing your status from F1 to TPS: a) you can continue your studies after receiving TPS; but, with TPS, you and your wife will receive permissions to work, Social Security numbers, and driver's licenses; b) with TPS, you can study part-time or even take a break in your study program without losing legal status in the US; c) with TPS, you can be a student in any school (while F-1 visas can be obtained and maintained only through USCIS-accredited schools which often charge higher tuition); d) unlike F-1 status, TPS will not expire when you finish your studies. If political situation in Syria stabilizes, and your TPS will not be extended, you can always go back to F visas (provided, of course, that you will remain a student at that time). However, history shows that, once granted to citizens of any particular country, TPS usually lasts for many years; and that country's citizens who are in the U.S. and received TPS, can continue to renew it even after the reason TPS was given to them is all but forgotten. I cannot readily think of any possible disadvantage of applying for TPS, but you should consult an immigration attorney to take into consideration all particular circumstances of your case.
Answer Applies to: New York
Replied: 6/21/2013