One question I have is regarding all of the medicine subspecialties.

Cardiology is considered very competitive, yet IM is not necessarily. How does it work when applying for a fellowship? It seems that if someone with lower stats such as board scores (step I and II) does very well during their 3rd and 4th year clinicals (impresses key people in cardiology etc.) AND does very well in their IM residency, then they would be considered a competitive applicant to any of the IM fellowships, no?

Is that how it works??? Any insight is appreciated.