<p>When do you turn in the application fee/waiver? With the preliminary application or after you're done with the common app? The preliminary app says to turn in the application fee with it, but there's also the option to pay on the common app, so I'm confused.</p>
<p>I just sent it in separately after I turned in the preliminary application. I put it in an envelope with a note explaining what it was for and I was done with it. You can pay online, too. I don't think it really matters, it's just to encourage you to get the check in early.</p>
<p>It doesn't matter when you pay - by check with the Preliminary Application or by credit card online with the Common Application - as long as you pay it by the application deadline. Some people prefer the security of an online transaction, while others find it more secure to send in something hard (like a check) rather than rely on cyberspace. I paid last year online, and there was no problem with that. Good luck!</p>