I called Tennis Warehouse a few weeks ago and inquired about how they measure racquet flexibility/stiffness and assign ratings (RA) given that most of the ratings they assign seem to differ from those listed by the actual racquet manufacturers.
What is Optional Practical Training (OPT)? Optional Practical Training (OPT) is the opportunity for an F-1 student to apply knowledge gained in the classroom to a practical work experience. OPT is a work permit allowing F-1 students to work in the U.S. for up to 12 months following graduation in a job related to their major.
Get the H-1B as soon as you can. I strongly suspect that the OPT extension is designed to give you exactly two attempts at getting H-1B. If you graduate in May, the standard 12-month OPT plus the 17-Month extension will give you time until October the year after next.