How do I make a bad semester not look bad during my scholarship application?
They require a transcript, but do they allow any kind of supplemental statements as part of the package? If so, I would try to include some kind of simply explanation – something like:


  During the fall semester of my senior year, my grades slipped due to some personal family issues. 


You might even try put a positive spin on it:


  During the fall semester of my senior year, my grades slipped due to some personal family issues. Even though my grades suffered, I learned a lot about priorities and biting off more than I can chew. Though my GPA might not reflect this, I emerged a better person because of that trying experience.