That’s so funny – because I was (and well, still am) in the same position as you! I graduated high school with a 2.9 GPA, had godawful SAT test scores, had a huge upward trend during my senior year, am currently attending a regional campus attached to a public state school, and applied as a junior transfer for Wesleyan and Barnard for next semester. I was initially bent on transferring to Columbia, but granted I was not in the position to retake my test scores, it wasn’t a feasible option for me (even with a current 3.812 overall GPA/4.0 major GPA). Anyways…
The thing is, especially with Ivies, not only are they looking at an exceptional secondary record AND college record, but a compelling reason to transfer. While admittedly I went to the cheapest school I attend with the intent of transferring from the regional campus after two years, I knew my reasons for transferring would not get me into UPenn and Columbia (although, I do have genuine reasons now and my initial reason was shallow and I’m not very proud of). The schools you’re applying as a transfer to at least want to know you love the school you are currently attending–not necessarily taking rigorous courses. I made sure I tried literally everything I could that pertains to my major and even went out my way to start my own club; obtaining leadership positions on campus, volunteering, and internships (if you can find any more, that is) are a definite plus. If your SATs and/or ACTs are not the greatest, retake them! I would consider retaking them after your first year since you are exposed to college material, and plus, I know UPenn and Columbia still look at your test scores (for NYU, however, I believe it is optional, and I’m not sure about everyone else). You have strong ECs thus far, but if anything, the schools want to know what you’re doing in college… not just in high school, especially by the time when you’re an undergrad sophomore. Since you’re applying to transfer during your sophomore year, you should make sure you have a strong presence on campus (i.e., an established rapport with professors, clubs, student government maybe, etc.).
Based on your stats thus far, I’m going to have to go with “no” for Columbia and UPenn, only because those two are like a complete wildcard and they only accept roughly 150-200 out of 2,000 applicants – if that many. And also, only because most of the students applying have an exceptional secondary record, college record, and compelling reason to transfer to boot, which it seems like you’re somewhat missing the former and the latter. For Boston College, if you keep your GPA up and have great ECs in college, then maybe, since they look with students with 3.6 or higher.