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First, thanks for directing me to the person who created the map! As I stated in my initial post, I didn't know who created it when I shared it. A friend sent me the batchgeo link last year and I saved it without any other information. Here's a better link to the map on Ridolfo's site: http://rhetmap.org/doctoral/. To answer my own question, it seems like it is comprehensive. Second, if you are talking about my tentative school list that I put in my signature, I have spent some time trying to select Rhet/Comp PhD programs (with no lit requirements) that are more focused on the composition side or at least equal rhet/comp. I am staying away from any rhetoric heavy or rhetoric only programs. I am interested in ESL as a secondary interest and I've been trying to find programs that emphasize that or at least offer some second language acquisition classes as electives. Mainly, I'm interested in composition pedagogy/research and ESL. Additionally, I sometimes throw business/professional writing into the mix because I have a BS in Business Management and English (along with an MA in English-composition). If you have any specific critiques of my list, I'd appreciate your perspective. I expect that the list will change somewhat during the next year. Otherwise, I don't think your "I'm not sure what the hell you are doing" tone is appropriate (especially on a board like this where many people are probably suffering from impostor syndrome). See all of the "Am I good enough for grad school?" posts.

@Chadillac Do you know anything about IUP? I came across the PhD program because Comp and TESOL are both interests of mine. However, I've never heard of the university and it doesn't seem to be ranked on any lists. Also, they have a summer option and an academic year option, which seems odd.

I'd say that your grad GPA is definitely more important because it shows that you can work in the discipline at a graduate level. This is more important to a program than your ability to succeed at variety of general education requirements. You've progressed beyond the undergrad level and those grades are not as representative of the student you are now. Even if the undergrad GPA ends up being the deciding factor (not likely in my opinion), 3.4 isn't terrible. If your undergrad GPA was below 3.0, you could have an issue. Also, many programs focus on the last two years of undergrad anyway (not cumulative).

Nice! That is very helpful. I see a few programs (Purdue, Michigan, Ohio State) that I have on my short list.

To me, this seems like an okay problem to have. Many English programs blend lit and rhet/comp. I am running into the problem that many rhet/comp PhD programs require an outrageous number of lit classes (5 or 6 sometimes) to complete the core requirements. Lit is a huge weakness of mine and I am struggling to find programs that have no (or very limited) lit requirements. Although you ultimately need to pick a specialization, your attitude about being open to lit and rhet/comp will probably be a benefit.

I'm thinking about 10-12, but that seems so daunting (AND EXPENSIVE!). Now that we are closing in on the end of this application cycle for Fall 2017, are you glad that you applied to 10+? Could you really dedicate enough time to tailor each app to every program? Also, where do you get enough $$ for the app fees, transcript requests, GRE scores, etc? How much should I budget for it?

Lately, I've been using this map as a reference for Rhet/Comp PhD programs: http://batchgeo.com/map/1a491427ce89c24f0206905a57091e6e. (I don't know who created it, but that person is definitely amazing!) Does anyone notice any large gaps or missing programs?