Let's be honest: I'm not applying to schools. I'm not sure if being in the midst of the app process is a prereq for this forum, but there you go.
I'm here largely because I will very soon be in the throes of application and need some feedback before biting off more than I can chew.
I'm not from a great school. It's not that I don't appreciate my departments (French, English) or the faculty (often brilliant), but--since we're being honest--Missouri State isn't exactly top-tier. Which leaves me at sort of a cross-roads. In my dreams I'd be applying to schools like Chicago (hell--if I'm dreaming I might as well apply to Yale) next year, but I'm afraid that my undergrad institution won't make me a competitive candidate for any PhD program. So I thought about instead applying to MA programs, thinking they'd be less competitive in admission (and in any case, bolster my 'creds' for more prestigious programs). But then I've also heard that already having an MA can hurt my chances for PhD programs. Dilemma.
Just want to know if anyone is in (or has been in) a similar situation, of if anyone has advice.