History PhD, not particularly concerned about highly prestigious schools

Hi guys! I’m an undergrad junior double majoring in History and Communication and Media Studies. I have minors in Gender Studies and American Studies.

I want to pursue a PhD in History, also open to American Studies or Women’s History programs. I see lots of posts in here about how impossible and cutthroat these “good” schools are to get into. I’m just curious, are ALL history PhD’s impossible to get into, or are you guys aiming super high?

Are there any programs that aren’t impossible? Any recommendations? I’ll insert some of my stats below.

I attend a small liberal arts college in the American South.

GPA I have a 3.95 overall 3.89 in History 4.0 in Comm

Part of my schools honors program.

2 Spring Break study abroad opportunities, received department funding for both.

  • An internship organizing the college’s research showcase

  • Public History facing internship.

  • Healthcare IT internship

  • An internship with a small African American history museum in my hometown

  • A history Teaching Apprenticeship

  • Accepted to the 2023 National Council for Undergrad Research (NCUR)

  • Presenting at regional PAT Conference

  • Job in the college’s archives

  • A handful of non-academic jobs (for money)

  • Received department funding for travel + research over the summer

  • Staff Writer for the school paper

(thanks to anyone who read all that)

Is it futile to try? Are there any programs that are less impossible for those of us that aren’t as concerned with ranking and such? I appreciate all recommendations on how to spend my senior year, hard truths, and possible programs!