What does being a 'prospective student' entail?

I've seen the term 'prospective student' thrown around a lot on college websites, but what exactly does it mean? Am I considered a prospective student once I start researching a school, or only after I begin the application process?

The term "prospective student" generally refers to an individual who is considering applying to a particular school or program, but has not yet formally done so. It's associated with the early stages of the college admissions process, such as conducting research about different institutions, attending information sessions and open houses, or visiting campuses (if possible).

In essence, if you've identified a school of interest and are gathering information about it—whether academic programs, campus life, admissions requirements, financial aid, or other aspects—you would be considered a prospective student of that school. It's a fairly broad term and can indeed include individuals who are very early on in their college research, all the way to those who are on the cusp of submitting an application.

It's also worth noting that colleges often use the term "prospective student" to distinguish those who are in the process of considering a school from their "admitted students" (those who have been accepted) and their "current students" (those who are currently enrolled). This distinction helps institutions tailor their communication and resources to suit the specific needs of these different groups.