@PoetofEthics
Hey! Not sure if this is still relevant, but hope this helps:
Don't list all semesters individually, unless you are required to. The lenght and content of a CV vary depending on the purpose - An academic CV may call for detailed coursework whereas an employment gig will only be looking at overall grades (unless you are applying for a technical position where they may need to review the courses you have taken), for which a resume is more suitable. Also, academic CVs for a PhD will require you to focus more on field/area of specialisation related coursework whereas CV for Mastrer's program will want to see courses undertaken related to your Major.
Instead of listing down all the courses semesterwise, just list the years attended, and maybe key courses relevant to your area od specialisation in your Master's. Alternatively, you can just list the year graduated: Uni Name, B.A. Philosophy
2007, GPA: XX.X
Thesis:
Courses: Master'sMajorRelatedCourse1, Master'sMajorsRelatedCourse2, (e.g. Mathematical Logic, Philosophical Problem, Theory of KNowledge) Community College
2000, GPA:
Courses:
Listing just the graduation year will mean they won't straightaway reject your application just by looking at the CV. In your SoP, address the gaps and highlight it - Academic strengths are not the only thing that unis are looking for in a prospective candidates. Not everyone is born with a silver spoon, and it is alright to have had a bit of a rollercoaster of a life in your pre-uni years. What is important is demonstrating how you have learnt from such experiences/overcame hurdles and enaged positively with educational opportunities post that. Your SoP should show them that you have evolved to become a mature and responsible individual and have a strong inclination to pursue a specific program (in your case, philosophy)
You mention getting straight As in the latter half of your academic pursuits -- you can use this to strengthen your SoP. Cite relevant/specific examples of how you overcame the challenges or what you did differently to turn your grades over a new leaf. Merely stating "I had failures in the past, but have grown from the experience" is not convincing enough as it neither ackolwedges your weaknesses/misfortunes nor indicate your potential ability to thrive in uni. Explain "how you grew from the experience" and link it to your motivation to attend gradschool/pursue a program in philosophy.