Also, my counselor refused to call Harvard to find out why I had been deferred, so I am sort of just going to update them on my several new ventures I have embarked upon. What else should I mention besides my new activities?
I wouldn’t send an update letter by email, as it sometimes takes weeks for the file office to download the letter and an add it to your fille. The best way to send an update letter is by FAX, as paper spewing out of a FAX machine demands immediate attention.
You’re in a tough place though, and may be better off not sending a letter, unless you’ve won additional awards or honors. IMHO, sending an update letter with new activities is going to look kind of meh, as Admissions seems to prefer students who have made a long-term commitment, measured in years, to their activities. New activities joined at the last minute often seem like students are trying to pad their resume and grasping at straws to boost their chances. The last thing you want is to leave Admissions feeling meh about your file.