Think about the type of program you’d like to get accepted to and then work towards that. Even then, don’t be discouraged if your top 2 or 3 are “no’s.” My top program was Texas at Austin. I visited, did a campus interview and my spouse and I really wanted to move there. They came back as a no and I’ll never forget the way that felt. Tennessee was my backup and it turned out being best thing that could have ever happened to me. I wouldn’t trade my time at TN for anything. They follow a strong chair model which means your chair controls the process and no one else really argues with them. I had an amazing chair who supported my research endeavors from day 1. I was able to finish my Ph.D. in 3.5 years bc they backed me from day 1. I was allowed to be my own person and to challenge norms in my research. Even though there were some in the department who didn’t agree with my perspective it really didn’t matter bc my chair said “Rick has done a great job, and he’s defended his research and dissertation successfully.” Not all institutions follow a “strong chair” model. Their goal is to spit out “mini me” versions that only do the same research and methods as the faculty already there. Those experiences can be very different.
If you do want to go to a tier 1 program, start working towards that now. Find professors in your desired field and ask to be a part of their research programs. Make sure you get credit and it will get your name on a few articles in your vitae. That will be important to those programs. My undergrad and masters were from private liberal arts colleges and I simply didn’t have the background they wanted.
What area are you thinking interests you?