Getting deferred at top schools

^Actually, there’s no such policy. Acceptance rate for ED is actually higher or equal to RD, but never lower (it wouldn’t make sense for the college since their goal is to lock in as many students early as possible).
However, yes, being deferred means you get a second chance.
In the meanwhile, it’s important to find 2 affordable safeties and several affordable matches (meaning acceptance rates are 30% or higher).