bluegirl, CU was one of my safety programs. The professor I consulted when I was deciding where to apply told me they have a highly regarded MA-only program, and Boulder's close to home. Now that I've had nearly 7 acceptances, I suspect I set my sights a little low in where I applied. However, I think I chose the right schools-- I think I'll likely be happier & more successful at a program at a large public university in middle US than at a large private one on one of the coasts.
BTW, I visited Texas and really liked the department.
sleepingpoet, did you have much to do with the German dept. at Texas? What are your impressions of it? I'd be very interested to know. You can PM me, if you want!