Use 'prospective' to talk about someone's plans or intentions for the coming time. She visited the campus as a prospective student, hoping to enroll next term.
Pro Tip 2/3
Engagement Stage
Indicates someone's position when considering or negotiating an action but hasn't committed yet. The prospective employer had a long interview with him.
Pro Tip 3/3
Anticipating Participation
'Prospective' often implies someone is taking steps to achieve a future goal. She already attended the pre-orientation meetup for prospective members.