News & Testimonials

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An article delineating advantages of chemically inert, optically clear union connectors for low-flow chromatography was published by Christopher Toher, president and founder of Higher Degree Consulting, Inc., in the June 2007 issue of American Laboratory. The full article text is available here.

For over a decade, Toher has served as a laboratory scientist, researcher, and sales-support professional across the inorganic materials, scientific instrument, technical training, and biopharmaceutical industries; he has also taught courses in Organic & Biological Chemistry and General Chemistry for two New England-based academic institutions. In March 2006, Toher founded Higher Degree Consulting, Inc. to provide educational assistance and communications services to scientists, students, and individuals.

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"As a high-school senior, my son dreamed of attending a prestigious Southern Ivy-League university. After facing a disappointing rejection on his first application, he attended another university where he excelled in liberal arts and blossomed into a leader through his entrepreneurial and humanitarian activities. Now a college junior, we knew our son was a strong transfer candidate but felt his essay would be a deciding factor in his acceptance to this school.

Higher Degree Consulting worked patiently with our son to help organize his thoughts, highlight the wide-reaching impact of his accomplishment and potential, and lended honest, detailed feedback as he edited his final draft. The support and tireless devotion Higher Degree Consulting invested in my son's success helped make his dream to attend an Ivy-League university a reality for the 2007-2008 year. For this, we will be forever grateful."

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"HDC's assistance and perseverence with our son's college application/essay preparation led to his recent acceptance to an esteemed New England university under its Early Decision Application for Admission. The task required time, effort, and several re-writes; through this process, however, our son realized his abilities as well as his individual style of writing. The ability to take a stressful and sometimes daunting chore and make it a creative piece takes talent. It gives us a great deal of pleasure to give Higher Degree Consulting, Inc. our highest recommendation to all parents with college-bound young adults. Our gratitude goes to Chris for the positive influence he consistently played in this role."

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"I initially contacted HDC for help in Chemistry, which I found to be extremely helpful. I am in the process of applying to graduate school, so I also needed help in writing my personal statement. Chris helped me brainstorm and organize what I wanted to write in my statement. He gave me feedback about what I wrote and pointed out areas where the essay didn't flow. Chris helped me to write a successful personal statement that I feel confident sending to graduate schools. I highly recommend Chris and HDC, Inc. to anyone who needs help in writing services!"

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"I have known Chris Toher since 2002 when I met him in a classroom setting. In later years, I received Chemistry tutoring through his business, Higher Degree Consulting, Inc. (HDC). Chris has tutored me both in Organic and Analytical Chemistry. His mastery of this challenging subject is superb, and his extensive professional experience allows him to relate real-world examples of abstract concepts. Chris also possesses an affable teaching style which reduces the stress involved in learning difficult material.

Through application of instruction received from HDC, I achieved excellent results in my lecture and laboratory grades for both Organic and Analytical Chemistry. Now a 2007 graduate with a B.S. in Biological Science, I plan to pursue graduate work in the life sciences, as well. I attribute much of my success in undergraduate Chemistry to the tutoring services of Chris and Higher Degree Consulting, Inc."

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"HDC's ability to turn a difficult and stressful educational experience for our son into something positive and unique was remarkable. Chris helped to foster our son into a young man with both the stamina and confidence to succeed. Chris was an inspiration to our son in chemistry, in life, and in his future career plans."

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"My daughter is a sophomore at Barnard College in New York City. She took chemistry in high school, but due to poor teaching, felt that she lacked the ability to keep up with peers in college using the basic knowledge that she had obtained. We searched for a chemistry teacher who could assist with teaching an entire year of chemistry in order to prepare Erin for the challenging college curriculum at an Ivy-league school. A local college referred us to Higher Degree Consulting, Inc. Chris was able to work with Erin over the summer and teach her a year of chemistry. He gave her a solid foundation and the confidence that enabled her to successfully complete her college course. Chris is an extremely knowledgeable and professional person who has a talent for connecting difficult subject matter to everyday life. I would highly recommend Higher Degree Consulting and am sure that we will keep in touch with Chris for future assistance."

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"Higher Degree Consulting, Inc. worked extensively with our 17-year-old after he fell behind in an especially challenging chemistry class. What most impressed me was Chris' ability to adapt to our son's learning style. I could hear the two of them working together at the kitchen table, going over daily assignments and semester topics. It was as if Chris opened a specific door in his mind and overcame his earlier obstacles to understanding. Their work together literally changed failing grades into A's."

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"We contacted Higher Degree Consulting, Inc. for assistance with our son’s Chemistry class. We have found Higher Degree Consulting's services to be knowledgeable and very positive. Our son had surgery in March and HDC was able to assist Sean with his class assignments, as well as maintaining his grades during his recuperative healing. The material presented was understandable, interesting, and fun. Sean has confidence in Chemistry that without HDC he may not have had. We would strongly recommend Christopher and Higher Degree Consulting, Inc.!"

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"Jacquelyn-Kate was able to get college credit for her AP Chemistry course, thanks to your excellent tutoring. It made all the difference! It was an amazing saga to see her go from a failing student to success with weekly help from you. Difficult concepts became lucidly clear with your great presentation. Thank you!!"

"Chris provided me with the guidance in my required college-level writing classes. As someone who frequently experiences "writer's block," I felt assistance from a professional could help unlock my hidden writing potential. In our tutoring sessions, Chris provided instruction in topic selection and delineation of paper structure. He offered suggestions and feedback regarding the construction of paragraphs and sentences. Upon completion of a writing assignment, proofreading the finished document ensured my typographic errors were brought to my attention.

Chris has many years of experience writing manuscripts for scientific journals and has finely honed his ability to guide others throught the writing process. Parlaying a regained confidence in my writing ability, I scored within the A-to-B range in all of my undergraduate-writing courses. I would highly recommend Higher Degree Consulting, Inc. for any academic- or professional- writing assistance."

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Discover a success you once deemed impossible. Contact Higher Degree Consulting today!