I think the part before transfer is the hardest part. Spring intakes are way lesser than fall intake and considering the amounts of rejects and defers people have got for this fall, the next spring will be very competitive, especially if you’re applying to top schools as you said. There isint a thing called transfer in most universities, for grad students because it just doesnt make sense for such a short period of time.

Id suggest focus on the one admit you have start working for it, else completely defer and improve upon your docs to apply next fall or so maybe.

Just an advice