Letter of interest

I’m applying to Tufts RD with probably what is considered about average stats for that school.
Thing is, Tufts is by far my first choice, and I would’ve applied ED 1 if it wasn’t for my parent’s financial situation. (They basically wanted to make sure we’d have some backup plan if tufts ending up being over what the Net price calculator detailed).
My question is, would it be appropriate to send a letter of interest to my admissions counselor detailing my interest to go to the Tufts, and basically saying “I would’ve applied ED if I could…”? Or will that come across as some sort of desperate ploy? Thanks.

Oops. I can’t edit it now but I just wanted to affirm that I’m aware the school is not called “The Tufts”…

If you apply ED and can’t afford to attend after you see your aid package, you can get excused from your agreement to attend. As this is fairly common knowledge, I am not sure giving them excuses for not applying ED is the right thing to do at this point.

It will neither help nor hurt your chances to simply let them know they are your first choice, so if it makes you feel better to tell them, go for it. You could also ask your GC to let them know, either in his LOR, or through a phone call or email.