How much time USCIS will take for RFE Response Review and what are my available options if my extension gets denied?

Hello,

My name is Venkat. I transferred to a new employer in January 2018 and my employer has filed for my H1B transfer and extension. I received an RFE in May 2018 and we responded to the RFE in the 2nd week of July. So I want to ask few Questions:

  1. Its been more than 2 months now and I did not any receive any response to RFE yet. How long does it take USCIS to respond to RFEs?

  2. Currently I am working as a Consultant. Is it a good option to do an H1B transfer at this point, considering the fact that I am awaiting for my RFE response.

  3. If my H1b extension gets denied, when is the right time to apply for universities so that I can shift to F1 status.

Thank you,

Venkat