Hi everyone!

I am new here and I signed up here with hope I might find some help here!
I am currently on J-1 visa which is going to expire on January 4. 2009.
I am waiting for issuance I-20 from my school and it should be done soon and than I am applying for F-1.
Does anyone know what forms I should fill up? I heard about form 539,but anything else?
Also I am thinking when I should apply for F-1 because I don't want apply too early and get cancelled my J-1 visa.
Did anyone go through all this???
I would appreciate any help-please!!

Thank you so so much!!