Upvote:4
After applying for a visa and being refused, you would not be eligible to use the clearance procedure visa waiver program, ESTA/VWP.
The US Customs and Border Protection Info Center has a Q&A that covers the topic:
Previously denied a visa or immigration benefit
How would my eligibility for a travel authorization via ESTA be affected if I was previously denied a visa, previously denied an immigration benefit, or previously committed an immigration-related violation?
If you were previously denied a visa, or previously refused entry to the United States, or previously removed from the U.S., your ESTA application will most likely be denied.
You may want to re-think your plans, rather than have repeated attempts to enter the US affect your F-1 visa application process and future education goals.