Based on your original post - no. You can't realistically expect to make a decision on a R1 acceptance after R2 notifications come out. That isn't very realistic for the schools and they're not in the business of waiting around as a backup.

That said, people often have to apply to the best of their ability and lock down a R1 spot if they get it. That's why people apply to a majority of their top choices in R1. Then, if a R2 decision comes in that you absolutely can't live without, then you accept the deposit for the R1 school as a sunk cost and move on.

I'd love to give you a better strategy but, unfortunately, there really isn't. Also, almost every program out there lists out when their decisions are released and when deposits are due. If you can't find this information then a) keep searching or b) call the school.

Good luck!

Bhavik