<p>Getting into law school can be a tough and arduous process. It is recommended that one begin the application process up to 6 months before applications are due. This will allow enough time for essays to be written, grades to be sent, a resume to be perfected, the LSAT to be taken and studied for, and letters of recommendation to be gathered. The personal statement is generally considered to be the single most important part of a law school application. All ABA accredited schools require one. Most often, schools require that the personal statement be between 500 and 1000 words. The topic is left up to the student. Applicants are encouraged to write about trying personal experiences, why they want to go to law school, and internship, a skill, a talent, or some special life circumstance. The admissions committees of law schools are looking at your grades, your LSAT, and this essay – and it is really the only way that the admissions committees can get an idea of who you are and what kind of law student you will be. Most admissions officers say that they read the personal statement first, as it sets the tone for how they evaluate the rest of the application package. </p>