I know what college is like...I even helped my younger brothers apply to college and so much has changed and the stress on these kids is much greater than we went to school. My youngest brother is 32 and even in that timeframe things have changed a lot.
He has risen to the occasion brilliantly. But that doesnt mean as a mom it isnt hard to see him stressing about the process. The counselors talked to us several times about the stress level that these kids are going through and things to watch for. Unfortunately one young man around here jumped off a bridge, he went to a nearby school, many of DS18's classmates knew him. His note said he could not handle the stress of applying to college. This was a brilliant kid with a great future many said he knew him.
And yes I am sad and yes I know it is normal...doesnt make it less stressful. I will be proud to see him fly but it still sad to know that he wont be here day in and day out. All of these lasts pull on the heartstrings, at least for me. He is my first so I dont know what to expect.
Sorry if my emotions dont match your own, we are all not robots. I find this whole process to be quite emotional, stressful and bit of a rollercoaster. Proud moments but also moments of what is changing.