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).
By submitting your essay to PopMatters, you agree to work with an editor in the event revisions are needed. Feature essays are a minimum of 1,200 words. There is no maximum limit, so long as the essay warrants the length.