Explaining GPA & grades for grad programs?

[shortcake15]

I'm currently in the process of applying to direct entry programs and am trying to write the personal statement. I was just wondering what everyone's opinion/advice is on explaining low undergrad GPA and grades... more specifically, what would be considered "low" enough to warrant an explanation? I have a 3.2 in cell biology from Berkeley and although I did fine in my social science courses, i have a few Cs on my transcript, especially in the 2nd to last semester before graduating. These were not prereqs for nursing (I received As in all of those) but they were 2 upper division courses for my major.

I really do not want to waste space in my statement trying to explain these grades as I feel there are more interesting things to discuss, but I don't know if these grades are actually as low as I think they are. I did great on the GREs and have been doing a lot of relevant extracurricular activities and volunteer work which I feel make up for it but I'd really like some help on this. Thanks!

[Debra ACRN]

It probably depends on the grad school. Mine is really interested in responding to social causes and activism, I wouldn't bother explaining any non-nursing grades. Spend your time on your goals and what you have accomplished to date. Good luck, I just finished my first year and has it been a wild ride. Debra

[arciedee]

I really only recommend using the statement to explain grades if they really need explaining, i.e. a bunch of withdrawals or failures. A couple Cs does not warrant explaining in my mind. I would spend my time discussing the other topics instead.