Explaining below-average UGPA and weird courses?

[Epaphroditus]

I'm applying for PhD programs in religious studies and am wondering if I need to include a note about my undergrad GPA in my SOP. It's not horrible (3.46 on a 4.3 scale), but not exceptional either. I'm finishing up my second master's (not uncommon in my field) and my GPAs for both masters are above 3.8. 

I'm also wondering if I should explain this because my undergraduate transcript has at least one C from my freshman year and some withdrawals from courses, not to mention random coursework (Political Math anyone? Astronomy? What was I thinking...). I know I'm competing against students who knew exactly what they wanted to do from freshman year and who have 3.9 GPAs, so I'm just wondering if it's worth the sentence or two in my SOP. Perhaps mentioning it will raise concerns that weren't even there? 

[rising_star]

I wouldn't mention something from so long ago, especially when you have more recent, relevant coursework that you've done well in.

[_kita]

Adcoms expect that a 17-18 year old is exploring their interests, taking unrelated courses due to the schedule/an easier class to balance against heavier courses. They will assume that was what you were doing -  unless you make a big deal over it and try to explain it away.

 

Just focus about your strengths; you have plenty of them.

[hats]

I know I'm a) old-fashioned about this and b ) just a pre-candidacy graduate student, but I think it's weird when people don't have undergraduate coursework in like, art and oceanography. Where was your curiosity? Didn't your school have distribution requirements? Even if you've always known exactly what you wanted to do, didn't you want to learn a bit about the rest of the world's kinds of knowledge? You have two good master's in your subject, it's clear that you are now committed—and it is not a flaw not to have been committed by the age of 17.