Well, most active and passive basses when you don't use EQ are very similar. After all, the front end of your head is basically an active preamp! An active bass merely moves part of that EQ circuit into the bass where it more convenient to adjust while you are playing.
In the Common Application, it says that the Personal Essay should be at least 250 words, and attached on a separate sheet (presumably, if you're submitting it online, you attach a one-page file).
Page Format. Essays should be on 8.5 x 11-inch paper with margins of 1 inch (top and bottom) and 1 or 1.25 inches on the sides. The size of the type should be a standard size (12 pt) and the typeface is usually Times New Roman. Your final essay may include the following sections, as applicable: title page.