Neither Here Nor There

Just to clarify (this is the case in my program [don't really want to say which but it's a well-known continental one] but I'm fairly certain it is the norm), learning one or two languages is required as part of the program rather than expected to get into the program. I think it's certainly a boost to your application if you already have some fluency in other languages but plenty of monolingual people get admitted anyway.

I don't see the size or religious orientation of your degree-granting institutions as a liability. I got my BA from a small Catholic university. I wouldn't worry about getting an MA from a state school or anything like that. I think I would have to agree with bar_scene_gambler here. Work on developing a strong, well researched writing sample, and work on some french and/or german. I would add that it couldn't hurt to do some prep for the GRE (if you've not taken it or taken it but not done well). A strong GRE can really help put a strong application over the top.

My list:

Do everything I won't be able to do as a PhD student.

Watch TV
Read non-philosophical books
Spend time with my current friends
Sleep 9 hours every night (at least)
Study music
Relax

Seems like I'll be to busy to read all those amazing books that have been mentioned.

If you really want to thank me, give me an upvote. I don't do these things for free, you know?