Entering then re-entering the US on F1 before the start of the program stated on I-20

I have a valid F1 visa and my I-20 has a program start date of August 5th. My I-20 states that I can enter the US starting July 5th. I have my flights booked to enter the US on July 10Th. I will then leave the US to visit Panama with some friends on July 12Th and then return to the US on July 17Th. I learned that a travel signature is required on the I-20 page 2 in order to leave and re-enter the US. I have contacted the University to get the travel endorsement signature but they told me they don't provide such signature before the start of the program and that I shouldn't travel to Panama to avoid problems when reentering the US.

Since I'm a citizen of Europe, is it possible for me to apply for Esta. Ask the immigration officer to use the visa waver program instead of the F1 when entering the first time on July 10Th. Then enter with the F1 visa and i-20 when I return from Panama on July 17Th?

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Can I enter the United States after the start date stated on my I-20 form?

The Form I-20 lists your program start date, 30 days before which you are allowed to enter the United States. F-1 and M-1 student visas can be issued up to 120 days in advance of your course of study start date.

Can I enter the US 1 2 weeks after my program start date on I-20?

Entry to the US after the program start date is not guaranteed and is at the discretion of the Port of Entry Officer at the airport as well as the USC academic department. In general, a student cannot arrive more than one week after classes start and must be enrolled full time for that semester.

Can I enter US before earliest admission date?

Transcript. Students can enter the U.S. 30 days before the start date that's listed on their form i-20.

Can I leave and reenter the US on a f1 visa?

Automatic visa revalidation allows most F-1 students to take a trip of less than 30 days to countries contiguous to the United States and reenter on an expired visa provided you have proper documentation and have not applied for a new visa during the visit.

Understanding the Form I-20 for F1 Visa International Students (The Ultimate I-20 Guide)

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