<p>If you transfer after your 1st yr (Fall '09 transfer) they will focus a lot on HS, because you will only have one semester of college completed. Applying Soph year for Spring '10 or Fall '10 transfer will increase your chances at NYU/Cornell. Since you got into Fordham before, you most likely will again. </p>
<p>But if you couldn’t afford private college before, can you now? </p>
<p>GPA-wise, I’m applying to Cornell too (from NYU), and I don’t think a 3.5 will cut it. You should try for at least a 3.7, the higher the better. Don’t let the fact that you don’t like your current college stop you from succeeding - instead, let it motivate you to get high grades for transfer. I’m sorry you don’t like it there. I wish you the best of luck 
Also, what NYU/Cornell schools are you applying to?</p>