Two career journalists with five decades between them in newsrooms and college admissions offices. We help juniors and seniors turn a blank page into the one essay that changes everything.
About us
Jim Mandelaro and Matt Michael have spent five decades combined asking questions, listening hard, and helping people find the words that matter. Together we've worked inside major-university admissions offices, and we know exactly what makes an essay rise to the top of the stack.
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, dig for the surprising angle, and lock in a theme admissions officers will remember.
You write. We coach. Structure, voice, and pacing get built the way a great feature story does — with intention.
Multiple rounds of editing until every sentence earns its place. Submit with confidence.
The Brothers
Not literal brothers. Just two friends who've been telling stories — and helping others tell theirs — for a very long time.
Eleven 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, three decades as a sportswriter and human-interest feature writer at the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle. Author of three books and a member of the Rochester Red Wings Hall of Fame.
Eight years in communications at Syracuse University, partnering with admissions on messaging for prospective, current, and incoming students. Previously spent 25 years as a sports, news, features, and investigative reporter for The Allentown Morning Call and Syracuse Post-Standard.
One flat price
A Zoom brainstorm session, a locked-in theme, and multiple rounds of editing until your essay is ready to submit. No hidden fees, no upsells, no nonsense.
Praise
Jim and Matt turned a pile of half-ideas into an essay that actually sounded like me — only sharper. I got into my top choice.
As a parent, this was the best money we spent all year. The process was clear, kind, and my son finally enjoyed writing.
They pushed me to write about something I would have never picked. That essay ended up being the reason I got in.
Let's write
Send us a note or give us a call. We'll get on a Zoom and get started.
