Pug- congrats on getting it done!
I'm in a situation similar to where you were when starting this thread. I finished my BA in English this July and am looking at grad programs for next year. I've got a solid GPA, a CV with grants, research, and presentations, and some professors who are going to write bang up rec letters. Part of me feels that getting into a program is on lock, as long as I do well with the statement of purpose, but at the same time I'm bugging out over assistant/fellowships.
I gave a paper at one school in April and it's where I really hope to get into, but otherwise, I'm not so sure of where I would like to go.
What do you guys think about applying to bigger v. smaller schools as far as acceptance, money, place, faculty, etc?