Hayden's parents are divorced and she lives with one of them - mom or dad, depending on who is cast.  Her parent is trying really hard to help her but is too focused on what other people say (i.e. what society says) Hayden should do.  Therefore, sometimes Mom/Dad loses sight of what Hayden really needs, emotionally.

Mom/Dad is stressed out (like many single parents).  S/he is so concerned about always doing the best thing for Hayden that s/he sometimes goes overboard. Like, with the college application - s/he wants Hayden to be happy but s/he's deathly afraid that Hayden will ruin her future if she doesn't make the right choice. Hayden knows that Mom/Dad has only the best intentions, but she feels really pressured by him/her.