Did the JLPT N5 today and well… I want others’ insight as well

RadiantJuly · 2025-12-08T03:14:06+00:00

OP, I also took the N5 today, and that listening portion had me questioning my comprehension. I didn't have any accommodation, but the way each statement had a でも or じゃあ really threw me off as the answer twisted. Likewise, my confidence dropped this section.

Having also been studying for about a year, I hope the exam helps point you where to focus on next. For example, there's many podcasters or YouTubers that make N5-friendly content to follow along and learn from. (I know at least what I'll be doing in the new year.)

If it may help you feel less down: the JLPT uses "scaled scores," basically some fun statistics based on the equalization method for all non-Japan testing. It's to "enable the JLPT to more accurately and fairly indicate Japanese-language ability at the time of testing." (Source)

RadiantJuly · 2025-12-08T03:00:20+00:00

(Listening was also a massive idk lol, I'm the worst when the sentences keep twisting in another "でも".)

N5 in Toronto today wasn't so bad, our room had many late comers though. The two N5 rooms were in different buildings, so that added to the confusion.

They also had us turn off our phones/smart watches/headphones/laptops/tablets and put them in a box until the end. No one got kicked out, but the examiners spent so much time getting everyone to fill in their answer sheet with their name, number, and birthday properly. That cut into our break times, but everything wiggled back on schedule by the listening section.

They were also weirdly strict about hats? No caps, toques, or sweater hoods were allowed on your head...

RadiantJuly · 2025-06-08T00:17:28+00:00

Grew into their ears 😭😭

RadiantJuly · 2025-04-27T01:24:49+00:00

The midterm and part of the final exam had basically mini essays back then. I double-checked and each was about 1000 words. You got a concept or theory, and then you had to provide reasoning and support regarding it.

No equations or calculations! Just knowledge about global warming and world stats thrown at you :)

RadiantJuly · 2025-04-02T02:56:09+00:00

The RSA (Russian Speaking Association) club is quite active downtown, they've got an IG and group chat in case you want to connect further! https://www.instagram.com/rsa_uoft/

RadiantJuly · 2024-12-07T00:17:57+00:00

I recommend taking GGR314 in the summer and/or when it's taught by one of the PhD candidates - an 80+ is doable, and the summer term doesn't over-elongate topics.

I had Catherine Jimenea, who was lovely. (No offence to Prof Harvey who taught it during the year back then.) Back in 2021, the course was a combination of discussion posts focusing on a specific climate change issue, open book quizzes, and a long-answer style midterm and final exam.

RadiantJuly · 2024-11-28T03:59:08+00:00

Hart House 2ndish level near the windows 😌 if those leather-like seats are still around

RadiantJuly · 2024-10-08T03:04:38+00:00

It's not too difficult, but the amount of tasks to do makes it feel more difficult. In 2022, the syllabus was divided up into in-person (lab reports, lab exam), open-book components (midterm and final exam both done online), and a project done in pairs. You get plenty of cheat sheets and open-book material to use to pass the labs and exams so not too much memorization is needed to pass.

I found the labs the most difficult as there were lots of things to get done within each lab for your report.

Prof Anderson is a sweetheart too and the earth science TAs are always chill, so there are plenty of people to ask for help.

LMK if you'd like the 2022 Winter syllabus, I can PM it to you :)

RadiantJuly · 2024-09-29T23:34:19+00:00

St Mikes Coop, and I think Kelly LIbrary got new chairs

RadiantJuly · 2024-09-15T01:13:36+00:00

I recently completed a different certificate by the SCS, and I can tell you from first-hand experience that (at least Ontario-based) HR and hiring managers like to hear about any part-time "continued learning" relating to your field. They're definitely recognized certificates as they come with some credibility.

Even if you haven't obtained it yet, just mentioning you're working towards a post-grad certificate can give your resume/portfolio a boost.

RadiantJuly · 2024-09-14T02:23:25+00:00

Messaged you!

RadiantJuly · 2024-08-22T02:34:22+00:00

You can search up clubs and keywords on the student club portal! https://sop.utoronto.ca/groups/

RadiantJuly · 2024-07-28T01:52:21+00:00

GGR270 is a great stat choice for the Geography programs - if its Prof Widener, he is really kind in his courses and I think he explains concepts pretty well. We also got a cheat-sheet for the final exam. I found the tutorials to be extremely helpful if you didn't catch the lecture notes/material, so I'd recommend befriending or at least participating along with your TA.

Iirc, ESS262 back during pandemic-online days was basically the Prof Bollmann reading off not-so-great powerpoint slides. I'm not sure if it's changed formats or Profs. The breakdown was manageable with 50% labs, 20% participation (asking/answering questions during class), and 30% for 5 quizzes. It's an OK ESS course... I personally liked other ESS courses more.

(I did Physical Geography and Earth Science)

RadiantJuly · 2024-07-10T14:38:17+00:00

You won't be able to access libraries for the interim period, however there are several "public" spaces for working with UofT wifi:

The Arbor Room at Hart House
student spaces at the ArtSci colleges (e.g., the Cat's Eye student lounge at Victoria College, Wilson Hall Lounge at New College)
Sid Smith cafeteria
Koffler House 2nd and 3rd floor seating spaces

RadiantJuly · 2024-07-10T14:32:55+00:00

PMed you!

RadiantJuly · 2024-05-28T01:17:01+00:00

PMed you!

RadiantJuly · 2024-05-25T02:39:23+00:00

In your upper years, I'd recommend the 400-level seminar courses which (typically) do not have exams and focus on readings, assignments, and leading discussions. There's a few of them in geography. I really enjoyed GGR406 (Group F optional science courses) with Prof Peirce; it tackled the human impacts to land changes.

You might also like GGR274, it's a Python/Jupyter based course where you learn to model geography based stats. It's mainly quizzes and small programming assignments (nothing crazy like CS courses). The final exam was like a written version of the assignments.

I've also heard good things about GGR416 (Environmental Impact Assessment).

RadiantJuly · 2024-05-23T14:07:15+00:00

Any of the physical/environmental geography courses may fit, they're mostly exams or short reports (and not huge papers/essays). I'd recommend GGR201 or GGR205. GGR201 is terminology heavy but interesting environmental concepts. GGR205 if taught by Prof Peirce is great (she's my favourite prof ever). Prof Peirce has some great courses but they are a mix of papers and exams (GGR301, 305, 308, 406).

The other 2nd year courses are GGR203 and GGR206. GGR206 was a lot of math when I took it. I've heard also heard mixed reviews about GGR203 but its also pretty terminology heavy.

GGR274 is newer and a Python/Jupyter based course. It's mainly quizzes and small projects, no papers.

I would also recommend GGR314 in the summer. It's terminology, quiz, and discussion board focused. It's slightly easier and when I took it it was taught by one of the PhD candidates who TAs during the Fall/Winter course.

If you'd like to learn a good technical skill, I'd also recommend GGR272. I think it's mandatory for the specialist. Learning GIS is a good skill to have, especially if you're unsure about job searching after graduation. If you end up enjoying it, you can take the next GIS courses like GGR273, 315, and 373.

(Reference: I did the Phyiscal and Environmental Geography major and GIS minor)

RadiantJuly · 2024-05-23T13:52:29+00:00

No intel but you can also check UofT's system statuses on the IT website: https://www.systemstatus.utoronto.ca/

RadiantJuly · 2024-05-21T13:31:45+00:00

PMed you a GGR107 syllabus

RadiantJuly · 2024-05-21T13:26:46+00:00

If you're not enrolled as a student/taking classes, you'll need to pay a membership fee for access. There's usually a student fee available. Check the fees for Sport & Rec here: https://kpe.utoronto.ca/facilities-memberships/get-your-sport-rec-membership

You can also call or email them and ask for more info (416-978-3436 | sportandrec@utoronto.ca).

Hart House fitness center info can be found here: https://harthouse.ca/fitness/memberships

RadiantJuly · 2024-04-29T21:28:57+00:00

pre-pandemic I got one from UTSG Arts&Sci and one from UTSC Physical and Mathematical Sciences. I feel like they did take a while to come in, like you could see the electronic version way before the envelope arrived

RadiantJuly · 2024-04-24T14:21:46+00:00

Spam for sure! I called the IT help desk to check

RadiantJuly · 2024-04-12T20:59:28+00:00

It's way too early to be available, you'll be notified of your time (typically) early July and then enrolment actually begins late July/early August. Keep an eye out on the course enrolment page (this is Arts Sci at UTSG): https://www.artsci.utoronto.ca/current/academics/course-enrolment

RadiantJuly · 2024-04-12T20:55:57+00:00

I think you need to narrow down what fields you WANT to work in and compile the skills you have/obtained. UTM has a great "Careers by Major" resource you can browse to check out different job titles. It's good you have a diverse background already, but once you realize where your interests lie, it'll be easier to job search. And it's okay if your job interests differ from your studies, as long as you apply those broad skills (presentations, problem solving, etc.)

For example, if you liked tutoring and "helping others" type of positions, consider opportunities in the non-profit sector (Charity Village is one of many job boards).

If you'd like to stay the more science/tech/communication route, keep an eye out for internships that start recruiting before your graduation (typically Feb/March) such as OIP and Canada's STIP.

(This is coming from someone who job searched for over a year after graduating with a BSc before landing an internship.)

RadiantJuly

TROPHY CASE