I think most students and their parents, feel overwhelmed by all of the requirements that must be met.

Since the personal statement will be a deciding factor if test scores are used, by the admissions office, to select from candidates with identical test scores, about how much weight and time should be given to the personal statement?

When is the best time to finish one's first draft if anticipating several rewrites?

Honestly, if you are concerned about the quality of the essay you may wish to use an editing service. A solid editing service could smooth out an essay and make much more appealing.

Doesn't using an editing service create a false impression of the applicant's writing abilities?

What are the chances of an applicant being called to task sometime during their college career for not demonstrating the same level of writing skill seen in their essay?

I guess it should be simple and clear in demonstrating the students capability and skill level. However it is not always necessary to give too much emphasis on it.

You raise a valid point.

With colleges seeing more applicants it may not be wise to leave yourself open for trouble later!

I highly doubt it would come to light later if the student used an editing service. It's his or her work- just getting it looked over and corrected.
It's done all the time in the real world at jobs.
I see nothing wrong with it.

If the editing service checks the spelling and grammar but doesn't change the quality of the essay more than normal editing would, I wouldn't think it would become an issue.