Can I transfer before first semester?

I have I-20s from 2 univ - a state and a private univ. Since the success rate is better with the state I wanna get my visa through that, but for some reason I want to study in the private univ. Do state universities release the sevis and allow transfer before the first semester itself? and will I have to pay my fees for the semester in the state univ ( even if i am not gonna attend it). Both classes start around the same time.