ambitiousarty

I am in the process of completing an MA from a program in the south. The university also offers a PhD, but their resources in contemporary art are somewhat limited. (I'm especially interested in critical theory/gender studies/visual culture as they relate to contemporary American art.) I also have my sights set on academia, so I realize the importance of getting a degree from a top university. However, I'm relatively self conscious about my academic history, and I'm worried about having a shot at top programs. I also understand there might be a bit of a stigma against degrees from the south? In undergrad, my GPA was a lackluster 3.3. I made all A's this semester, but I did receive two B's the first semester of the Master's, eesh. :/ The GRE scores weren't that great either, although I do plan to retake it before applying to PhD programs. I have participated in 3 conference panels this year (1 out of state) and 1 scheduled panel in the fall out of state. I have 1 minor publication possibly on the horizon, maybe 2. I am also volunteering at a museum this summer as well, though it's basic library work, surveys, and assisting with children's programs. So, my questions to you lovely folks are as follows: 1. Ignoring my academic history, what would you say the top programs in my area of study are, possible POI's? 2. Taking my academic history into account, do you think I would have a shot at any of these programs? 3. Is their anything more I can/should be doing to increase my chances? 4. Also taking my academic history into account, what do you think the more realistic programs are at this point? (I.E. not top tier/fallback schools) Thank you so much, I realize these questions are common and probably annoying (in fact, I should probably know the answers to them already), but I've spent hours sifting through both this forum and the CAA directory without much luck. Thank you!