Application Fee Waivers?

<p>Due to my family's income I'm eligible for application fee waivers but I've never used one and I'm still a little fuzzy on the details.
I'm applying to five colleges (four using the common application and all five claim to have waivers available). I met with my guidance counselor today and will meet with him again tomorrow to walk me through everything, but I think he's new and is a little all over the place with his facts.</p>

<p>After my counselor determines that I'm eligible, what should I expect? (I'm guessing filling out forms or something?)
On the CA under Counselor it says Fee Waiver. Does this mean everything will be done electronically? Or are still things that need to be sent through snail mail?
Once I apply for waivers, how exactly do I use them? If I'm sending forms by snail mail, when will I know if everything has been waived and I can go ahead and submit my application? Additionally one of my schools just says to have my counselor shoot them an email saying that I need a waiver. How does that work?
Can I submit my applications before the fee is waived? Or do I need to confirm that the schools are notified beforehand?</p>

<p>Aaaand one miscellaneous question about the Common App-
One college requires a counselor recommendation. Does it fall under Counselor ( where it says Fee Waiver School Report
Optional Report Mid Year Report Final Report) or do I need to invite them under Teacher / Other Recommender (and specify counselor)?</p>

<p>Thanks!</p>