<p>Phanatic’s example is why an advisor saying “No!” is sometimes helpful. S&P’s is why an advisor is who is too compliant isn’t good. Like a well-paid fortune teller, you want a happy medium. </p>
<p>I will say that D’s informal advisors were at least as influential as her formal one in terms of course selection, etc. I think she picked up several whose opinions she really respected and who took the interest in her.</p>