Best School that could be a "safety"?

[SuddenlyParanoid]

I'm applying to basically the top ten. I have a 3.7, 3 great letters from tenured professors, and a decent GRE, 730 verbal, 790 quant. I'm an Americanist. I really want to go to grad school next year and not have to reapply. This cycle is supposed to be really tough since so many people are trying to go to grad school since it's so hard to get a normal job. What's the best American place I should almost definitely be able to get into?

[Penelope Higgins]

Depends what kind of American you want to do. You want to find less competitive departments that specialize in your particular area of interest within the subfield (public opinion, institutions, etc.) Ask your advisors which schools outside the top ten might be good fits.

[adaptations]

I hate to be a downer, but when it comes to PhD programs there really is no sure thing - especially if you are asking for an admission with full funding. My suggestion is apply to a number of mid-level "safety" programs that you would still be happy attending and then hope for the best.