I would imagine the majority of their record keeping is done digitally. The content of your letter is likely far more significant than the means with which you send it. I've done two update letters (pre and post interview) both via email (attached as a PDF). They accepted both. I'd just limit it to work/research/publications and other major events, otherwise you're just distracting from other parts of your application.
As to the deffered status, I've been told it just means you will be evaluated later (i.e. you were not re
lally considered in that round of voting). This is essentially a waitlist (you can be pulled in at any round month by month); I see ZERO difference between this and a waitlist. I expect they'll eventually form a formal waitlist, but remember guys, Tufts rejects VERY VERY few people after interview. One of the guys who spoke at the interview told me that the only person he's heard of getting rejected asked his interviewer on a date. So other than really messing things up, you'll all get accepted or deffered/waitlisted. We all have quantified scores, so we'll likely be reviewed in that score order. With earlier interviewers likely having the highest scores.
Does someone has RECENT stats on interview/acceptance?
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