We're two career journalists with five decades of experience in college admissions, higher education communications, and media. We help college-bound high school students turn a blank page into a compelling story that is read and remembered.
About us
Jim Mandelaro and Matt Michael have spent a combined five decades asking questions, telling stories, and helping people find the words that matter. We've worked with major university admissions offices and understand what makes an admissions essay rise to the top.
We built The Write Brothers because every student has a story worth telling, and every family deserves a straightforward, warm, and expert hand guiding it to the finish line.
How it works
Simple, personal, and built around your voice — not a template.
We meet one-on-one to unpack your story and lock in a theme admissions officers will remember.
You write. We edit for structure, voice, and pacing to build an impactful story with focus and intention.
We'll reconnect with you to polish your final version and create an essay you can submit to colleges with confidence!
Two friends who've been telling stories — and helping others tell theirs — for a very long time.
Jim spent 11 years as a communications specialist at the University of Rochester, working directly with Admissions and the dean of enrollment on strategy and storytelling. Before that, he was a reporter for three decades with the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle. He and his wife, Kerri, have a son at the University of Rochester and a daughter who soon will be college bound.
Matt spent eight years in communications at Syracuse University, where he worked closely with admissions departments on messaging for prospective, current, and incoming students. He spent 25 years as a reporter for The Allentown Morning Call and the Syracuse Post-Standard. He and his wife, Robin, have four children who graduated from Brockport, Elmira, Oswego State, and St. John Fisher.
One flat price
Praise
We're gathering real testimonials from students and families. Check back soon to hear from them directly.
Let's write
Send us a note or give us a call. We'll get on a Zoom and get started.
