I totally see your point. My only concern is that they see my application for the RD cycle as someone who is less interested in going to their school than someone who had applied REA. I’d really only want to send an email to make it clear that I am interested, and I would have applied REA had life not decided to throw me a curveball.
Here’s the email I would send:
Dear Stanford Admissions Team,
I’m writing this email to make it known that Stanford is my first-choice school, and I would not hesitate to enroll if I were accepted. I had planned to apply Early Restrictive Action, but my dad passed away in September. Despite my best efforts, I simply couldn’t finish my application in time.
I understand most of your applicants are as enthusiastic about attending Stanford as I am. My goal is not to make excuses or write a sob story. If anything, I would just like it to be noted that my decision to apply in the regular application cycle in no way means I’m not dedicated to attending your school.
Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
I just worry that sending it could hurt my chances. Thank you for taking the time to help, btw.