What does the term 'prospective student' mean?

Hi all, I've recently begun receiving a lot of college emails, and many of them address me as a 'prospective student'. I feel a bit confused about the term. Is it just a fancy way to say I'm a potential applicant?

Hello! The phrase 'prospective student' is quite common in college admissions lingo. Indeed, it means that you are a potential applicant to a college or university. Educational institutions label you as such once you've shown interest in their institution, perhaps by participating in a campus tour, attending a college fair, filling out a college interest form, or subscribing to their mailing list. As a prospective student, you're viewed as someone who may apply to the institution in the future. It's like being on their radar! So yes, you're correct; it's essentially a formal way to label potential applicants.

Colleges often communicate with prospective students to provide information about admissions procedures, academic programmes, and campus life. Receiving emails and resources is a great opportunity to learn more about the schools you're interested in, so make sure to take advantage of it! Don't hesitate to respond to these emails with any questions you might have about the college or the admissions process—it's part of why they reach out! This interaction can certainly be beneficial in your college search and decision-making process.