<p>For Berkeley in particular, it matters which division you apply to.</p>
<ul>
<li><p>College of Letters and Science: designating a specific major or undeclared does not matter in freshman admissions; all entering freshmen are undeclared.</p></li>
<li><p>College of Engineering: freshman admission thresholds are different for each major, with undeclared often having a higher threshold than some or most of the declared engineering majors. Engineering undeclared freshmen must declare an engineering major by the end of freshman year (or switch to a different division).</p></li>
<li><p>College of Chemistry, College of Environmental Design: no undeclared option.</p></li>
<li><p>College of Natural Resources: freshman applicants may apply to a major or undeclared; freshman admission thresholds within the division do not differ by major or undeclared.</p></li>
</ul>