Too often people applying for membership in A.’.A.’. take a nonchalant attitude and rarely consider that they are inquiring about a college. The word college is taken from the Latin collegium, which in ancient Rome implied a group of people dedicated to studying a common idea or Law. In many European countries a college was known as a secondary school between a High School and a University. In the United States these words are often interchangeable. Regardless how the word is presently being interpreted, in all cases it denotes a serious academic institution.

We are not a horizontal or mundane spiritual school which tends to be lax at entry obligations where sending a mere email asking, “How do I join?” or filling out an application can often guarantee entry. Our College teaches verticality, or the art and science of individual spirituality. Here the ordeals will be severe, the tests vary, and we must determine early on whether or not you understand to what you are applying or if you are simply going to be wasting our time. In this light I’ve been asked to describe clearly the requirements which are similar to what you must submit to any College admission office when applying for entrance. These are known as your Cover Letter and College Essay.

The first question for you to ponder is simple – “How do you tell us about yourself?”

What does that mean?

Like any college entry essay this is your personal statement; it should be a provocative and well written. If it is poorly written you will not get into college; any college for that matter, including the A.’.A.’.. This is primarily because writing will be a requirement throughout your career amongst us. Your essay, besides determining whether or not you can write adequately, is meant for us to know the Foundation Stone that has been laid in your education both academically and spiritually. This is your opportunity to reveal your basic life and what lead you into thinking that you are what we’ve been looking for and that you are ready for a serious academic career. Remember, our Order lives by these words: