Just wanted to thank everyone for helping add so much information to this forum.
Besides a few edge cases, pretty much every question I've had was answered with judicious use of the search function here.
I've been very nervous about credit because of some mistakes I made a few years ago (incidentally, I'll try to GW them out thanks to advice from the rebuilders subforum.)
I took it slowly 2-3 years ago starting off with one card, then added a Capital One last year.
I finally decided to speed things up slightly and apply for a few more today.
Amex BCE: Instant approval!
I don't know the CL yet. I tried calling the number 1-866-314-0237 but the system kept trying to redirect me to a representative, so I freaked out and hung up. Haha.
Citi Dividend Platinum Select Visa: Instant approval!
$6300 CL, 15.99% APR
Sallie Mae Signature Visa: Denied 
CSR called back and said DTI was too high. Wouldn't divulge any other info, but said my credit score was "really high." Otherwise, they seemed pretty forgiving about the lates on my report from a few years ago, since I've been spotless since then.
I'm not sure if Sallie Mae does any recon, but I suppose I'll just take some time and continue paying down my loans and try again in 6-12 months.
Next up is the Capital One Cash Rewards, which I've been holding off for last, since they hit all 3 reports.
I'm kind of hesitant though, as I'm not sure if Citi and Amex would freak out if they see 2 other new credit tradelines pop up alongside theirs next month.
After that, though, I'm in gardening mode.
*Edit:
Decided against Cap One for now; going straight to gardening for 6-9 months.
*Edit 2 - AMEX card came in, updated with info!
AMEX BCE: $13,800 CL, 17.24% APR
@Anonymous wrote:
...Amex BCE: Instant approval!
I don't know the CL yet. I tried calling the number 1-866-314-0237 but the system kept trying to redirect me to a representative, so I freaked out and hung up. Haha...
I'm scared witless of speaking with a rep on the phone, and I try to do everything online when I can. Glad it's not just me! 
Congrats on the two approvals.
@Anonymous wrote:Haha, yeah. Thankfully this place is about helping your finances. Other forums I join invariably make me spend my finances.
Hauling - yes, you're not alone. xD
My credit is not perfect, so I'm terrified of talking to anyone and giving them a chance, or reason to reconsider the account.
Anyway, since I was denied the Sallie Mae, I spent some time thinking and I'll probably change my plans.
Many users here heavily advised I don't go on a spree, and spread out the apps instead.
I think I'll do that. I'll hold off on the Capital One for a while longer; let the new Citi and Amex age a bit, pay down my loans, then try again for the Sallie Mae card in 6-9 months. If I get approved then, I'll follow it up with the Capital One. Doing it now will result in a lower AAoA, as well as add more inquiries to my reports, and make it harder to get the Sallie Mae later on. I believe I've managed to spread out the inquiries for this round though.
Thanks again for the help, everyone! I'm off to join the garden for a bit now; I hear the myfico garden is very beautiful.
With cards like the BCE and the Citi Dividend why would you want to even mess with Crapital One?
No interest in the discover more?
Starting Scores: EQ MYFICO (05-12-09) 430 / TU MYFICO (12-14-09) 521
Congrats Dark on the Approval! Man- isn't it great when a plan comes together! 
@smokiethebear912 wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:Haha, yeah. Thankfully this place is about helping your finances. Other forums I join invariably make me spend my finances.
Hauling - yes, you're not alone. xD
My credit is not perfect, so I'm terrified of talking to anyone and giving them a chance, or reason to reconsider the account.
Anyway, since I was denied the Sallie Mae, I spent some time thinking and I'll probably change my plans.
Many users here heavily advised I don't go on a spree, and spread out the apps instead.
I think I'll do that. I'll hold off on the Capital One for a while longer; let the new Citi and Amex age a bit, pay down my loans, then try again for the Sallie Mae card in 6-9 months. If I get approved then, I'll follow it up with the Capital One. Doing it now will result in a lower AAoA, as well as add more inquiries to my reports, and make it harder to get the Sallie Mae later on. I believe I've managed to spread out the inquiries for this round though.
Thanks again for the help, everyone! I'm off to join the garden for a bit now; I hear the myfico garden is very beautiful.
With cards like the BCE and the Citi Dividend why would you want to even mess with Crapital One?
No interest in the discover more?
Their prime cards are actually quite good. There is a huge difference between Caps rebuilder cards and their prime cards. The universal suckage of pulling all three bureus remains and the main reason why I will never get another one.
