Yes, I have a pretty good idea of what went wrong. I applied as a modernist (yes, ReJoyce refers to Joyce) and they are not looking for modernists. In fact, at this moment, departments are so overwhelemed by modernists which they cannot place, that they're not willing - apparently - to take any more. Also, I was competing against people with MAs, people who are much older than me and with that 'life experience' that all grad committees cite as an important factor. Also I think I didn't apply to enough 'across the board' programs, by which I mean programs that are solid but not extraordinary. The program is a standard 5 yr package of 18k, though that doesn't go very far in a big city. Completely understandable though, since it's a state school (part of the reason people might be rolling their eyes is precisely this - you wouldn't believe how much they look down upon non-ivys, which is plain stupid). Placement record is indeed abysmal, though I've seen one or two profs from there on the faculty list at Yale and Brown. There is also a positive factor in that this program really wanted me. The director called a couple of times to ask if I had any questions or wanted more info and they seemed super-pleased that I was considering. I was thinking of perhaps giving it a shot and transfering or opting out after the MA if it proves to be a bad deal. I don't know.