<Connections and clinical performance and LORs will be way more important for fellowships. This tends to be the case in all specialities where people are subspecializing. A really low score would be a red flag though. A low CK score will not help you match into your desired residency program. Nearly all dermatology programs require Step 2 scores prior to ranking applicants.
Step 3 apparently also matters for some fellowships, but idk if thats just IM or all specialties>>I have heard this too! This is crazy as studying well for step 3 during internship is almost impossible!!!
studying for step 3 during internship isn't hard because you just study the subject of whatever rotation you're on, do some practice Q's, review occasionally, and near the end of the year you'll pass with flying colors
This is false. Programs don't need Step 2 scores in order to rank (exceptions being UCSF, and even then it could be discussed on a case-by-case basis, and according to Cornell, they may require it prior to application deadline) <a bunch of prelims have stated in the interview email that it's required before rank lists are due --- Unfortunately this is true :( Some of my top prelims will need to see my step 2