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GPA is now 3.64, which puts me somewhere in the top 20% of my class, and is above NYU's 25th percentile but below their 50th on their 509 from last year. Was closer to the top 5%-10% of my class last semester, but they gave us legal writing grades for the spring semester and that managed to knock me down a bunch despite the class not having that much weight in normal years, I don't know if that makes a difference.
Summer internship at a government agency, not especially exciting but its not nothing.
I haven't really succeeded in making any great connections with professors--part of the reason why I'm not really worried about the losing connections downside of transferring--but that does mean that I'm going to avoid asking for a LOR if I can avoid it. I meant to prioritize office hours and the like this semester, but that became a priority I haven't been able to follow through on since going online.
Would appreciate people's thoughts on my chances at NYU, and maybe at CLS if there's a possibility there, though I really think NYU is a more realistic choice. Also, thoughts on avoiding the LOR?

I'd say below 50% chance at NYU, and little to no chance at Columbia. I'd only submit a LOR if you think it'll be strong, otherwise it might have a negative impact.

I would avoid sending an LOR if you don't have a good relationship--but I think you need to submit one for Columbia? Not sure about NYU though.

Just a heads up, when I transferred, I submitted 2 LORs: one from my original application (an undergrad prof), and one from a law school prof.

I'd say your chances at Fordham -> NYU are slightly *better* than 50/50, but it just depends how many people they decide to take this year---overall and from Fordham.