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).
You should also use SPECIFIC EXAMPLES throughout your essay. If you cite information from the textbook, any of the readings, any of the videos, or any website, you should include a citation. Each answer should be at least 1-2 paragraphs (5-7 sentences per paragraph). Anytime that you are asked to give examples, you want to EXPLAIN your examples, do not just list them.Each essay is worth 10 points. Essays that score well will answer ALL parts of each question. They will include specific examples to help support their answers.