Does Applying to a Less Popular Major Actually Improve Admission Chances at Selective U.S. Universities?

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I’ve received completely different advice on whether intended major can be used strategically in U.S. college admissions. One admissions consultant suggested applying to less selective or more niche majors instead of highly competitive fields, arguing that lower demand could improve the odds of admission. The examples given were relatively obscure majors with fewer applicants. My school counsellor strongly disagreed and said this strategy is largely ineffective at highly selective universities, especially where admissions are holistic and students are not admitted strictly by major. How much does intended major actually matter at selective U.S. universities? Are there certain colleges or schools where applying to a less competitive major can provide a real advantage, while at others it makes little or no difference? I’d be especially interested in experiences involving Ivy League and similarly selective universities, including whether anyone has seen this strategy work in practice.