Also, be careful. Other institutions are under no obligation to follow the guidelines established at your particular university. Keep your personal statement strong and positive. Do not use it to justify, explain, or apologize for a deficiency. Consider including an addendum to your application which explains anything which might raise eyebrows.
Many students get off to a rocky start and show improvement later.
Maybe, maybe not. It depends upon when you apply. Then they will have your fall grades during any subsequent deliberations on your file. I have a higher GPA in my major. No, it isn't.