Working full-time while also attending film school full-time? Is it doable?

[FuschiaFlows]

Work a remote job that pays well but I'm not totally in love with (hence why I'm pursuing film school). I was wondering if anyone on this forum has heard of students working full-time while going to film school full-time. Is it possible? If so, how is it? For context, applying to top full-time MFA Programs in Directing / Screenwriting.

thx in advance

 

[Chris W]

For most of the top film schools I'd say it's definitely not possible. For those schools film school is a full time job.

These articles go somewhat into it with the with required IIRC:

Film School Admissions Department Interviews

Film school admissions departments share in-depth insights on applying to film school, mistakes to avoid, and other tips.

www.filmschool.org

There are some schools that have mostly night classes but when not in class you're going to be needing to meet with everyone you're making films with, writing, etc...

I remember some forum members saying it was possible to still work full time at CSUN... But def not possible at Chapman or Colombia.

 

[StarChild]

For most of the top film schools I'd say it's definitely not possible. For those schools film school is a full time job.

These articles go somewhat into it with the with required IIRC:

Film School Admissions Department Interviews

Film school admissions departments share in-depth insights on applying to film school, mistakes to avoid, and other tips.

www.filmschool.org

There are some schools that have mostly night classes but when not in class you're going to be needing to meet with everyone you're making films with, writing, etc...

I remember some forum members saying it was possible to still work full time at CSUN... But def not possible at Chapman or Colombia.

Yeah CSUN holds classes at night (7-10pm) so you are able to work full time still. You’ll be tired, but it’s def doable.

 

[weeblewobble18]

I just talked to an NYU MFA student who said she has nine (!!!) classes a semester.
I've heard of students doing part-time work, but full-time, I'd say no way. I wouldn't even try to attempt it. Sounds like you'd be opening yourself up to a tremendous amount of stress and wouldn't be able to apply yourself satisfactorily to either work or school.
Also keep in mind that you'd probably be doing school-related activities for much more than the traditional forty hours a week. You'd be expected to assist student productions and facilitate your own productions, in addition to your homework and classwork.
With how much you're probably going to spend on your MFA, I'd say the only way to make your investment worthwhile is to go full-time, and make the most out of your industry opportunities while in school so you can have the best chance of establishing yourself with a filmmaking/film-related career after. Only my two cents and should in no way be taken as gospel career advice, obviously.

 

[Umie13]

I agree with the above. From what I heard from other students it will be incredibly challenging to even maintain a part-time job let alone full-time. If you aspire to the top schools the work load will be immense as they want to teach you every facet in that discipline. I, myself am applying to the screenwriting programs, and with the types of screenwriting out there I very much doubt I would commit to a part-time job, which is why I'm saving as much as I can, and applying to as many scholarships out there to prevent any financial hardship that might come my way.

Speaking on the screenwriter applicant front the semesters will probably involve writers' rooms sessions and assignments. Breaks will involve writing one's own projects and the re-writing process. Weekends will involve working on productions within the group you're collaborating with.

I'm guessing directing will be on a different level entirely as you will be very multi-departmental (shooting/editing etc).