on the website, the school mentions three stuffs:

1 Statement of Purpose
2 Personal Summary
3 Curriculum vitae (c.v.) or résumé

I can't figure it out!
what's the Personal Summary? i'v never heard about that before.

hi there!
I was wondering the same thing when I started completing my application, but both sounded really similar, so I decided to write one large personal statement where I state everything they requested. I still haven't had any news from Berkeley, so I am not really sure if I did the right thing, however, I got notified that my application was complete, so what can I say?

actually i'm wondering when the application period starts? Is it already opened now?

I imagine you mean the applications for 2010-2011, since applications for 2009-2010 were due on December 1st, 2008. For next year, I think they start receiving applications at about late September, and somebody please correct me If I am wrong.

Exactly! are you going to apply for the program in 2010-2011 just like me?

No, I have already applied and am waiting for a decision. Good luck with your application!

No, I have already applied and am waiting for a decision. Good luck with your application!

personal summary: I think its more about you and your character and your skills apart from your academics

statement of purpose: more about your studies, your career plans and what you wanna accomplish later in your life (careerish)... i guess.

thats what I would say... correct if Im wrong

straight from the horse's mouth:

"For the Statement of Purpose, please describe your legal interests and the particular area of study you intend to undertake as an advanced law student. Indicate your professional plans following completion of your study at Berkeley Law. If your decision to pursue advanced legal study at the School of Law is based on a desire to work with particular members of the faculty or to take particular courses, please indicate the names of the faculty or the courses in your statement. (Please note: sabbaticals or other leave arrangements, as well as course scheduling changes, make it impossible to provide a definitive announcement of the availability of courses and faculty.)

For the Personal Summary, please provide a brief account of your personal history, with emphasis on the development of your interest in law."