Are rankings important?

I’m an older student applying this cycle for 2007 admissions. I’m accepted to one school, and waiting for other responses. Does it matter what U.S. medical school one matriculates into? Will residency directors rank individuals partially based on school prestige? Lastly, are board scores, grades, and “fit” more important than med school rankings? What can students do to ehance their chances on obtaining competitive residency spots?

Let’s try keeping this to ONE topic. Thanks.