Pending I-485

I assume it's based on marriage to USC. You technically cannot work without a valid EAD. If your employer is willing to temporarily accept the receipt of your filed I-765, that's another matter. It's between you and the employer.

No, you should wait until your EAD work permit is approved before starting work. Also, you can apply to university while your I-485 is pending. However, you will have to wait until your I-485 is approved to take advantage of a potential admission. Be patient.

You should wait to work until your EAD is approved. Unless your application to adjust is baased on being an immediate relative of a USC, illegal employment can render you ineligible to adjust.

My only question is whether you filed an I-765 application for employment authorization document along with your I-485? You can only receive an EAD with your I-485 pending if you filed the I-765. I only ask because this is a common mistake if you did not file with an attorney. As for working, you are not supposed to work so if you can wait a couple of weeks until receiving your card that would be best.

You must have a valid EAD to work.