What Is the Rice Purity Test?

Posted on November 15, 2025 | 11 min read

If you've spent any time around college students or on social media, you've probably heard about the Rice Purity Test. But what exactly is it, where did it come from, and why has it become such a cultural phenomenon?

This comprehensive guide will answer all your questions about the Rice Purity Test, from its origins to its modern-day significance.

The Rice Purity Test: A Simple Definition

The Rice Purity Test is a self-assessment survey consisting of 100 questions about life experiences. Originally created at Rice University, it asks about activities ranging from innocent interactions to more mature experiences.

How the Rice Purity Test Works

Taking the test is straightforward:

1. You start with 100 points (representing complete "purity")
2. Read through 100 questions about various life experiences
3. Check the box for each experience you've had
4. Your final score is calculated by subtracting checked items from 100
5. Compare and discuss your score with friends (optional but common)

For example, if you check 30 boxes, your score would be 70 (100 - 30 = 70).

The History of the Rice Purity Test

Understanding where the test came from helps explain why it's structured the way it is.

Origins at Rice University

The Rice Purity Test was created at Rice University in Houston, Texas, though the exact date is debated. Most sources place its creation sometime between the 1920s and 1960s.

Originally, it served several purposes:

• Orientation Tool: Helped incoming freshmen bond and share experiences
• Self-Reflection: Encouraged students to think about their life choices
• Campus Tradition: Became part of Rice University culture
• Conversation Starter: Gave students an easy way to break the ice

From Campus Tradition to Internet Sensation

For decades, the Rice Purity Test remained largely a Rice University tradition. However, with the rise of the internet and social media, it spread far beyond the campus:

• Early 2000s: The test began appearing on various websites
• 2010s: Social media helped it go viral
• Today: Millions of people worldwide take the test annually

What Questions Are on the Rice Purity Test?

The test covers a wide range of life experiences, organized roughly from innocent to mature:

Choose Your Language

Romantic Experiences:

• Holding hands romantically
• Going on dates
• Kissing and other intimate acts
• Relationship milestones

Social Experiences:

• Attending parties
• Staying out past curfew
• Traveling without parents
• Living away from home

Substance-Related Questions:

• Drinking alcohol
• Smoking or vaping
• Using recreational substances
• Being under the influence

Academic and Legal:

• Academic integrity issues
• Encounters with law enforcement
• Legal violations
• Institutional infractions

Sexual Experiences:

• Various intimate activities (progressively more explicit)
• Relationship dynamics
• Sexual health decisions

Why Do People Take the Rice Purity Test?

The test's enduring popularity comes from several factors:

1. Social Bonding

Taking the test together and comparing scores creates shared experiences and conversations. It's a way to learn about friends in a structured, less awkward way.

2. Self-Reflection

The test prompts people to think about their experiences and choices. It can be a moment of self-assessment, especially during transitional periods like starting college.

3. Curiosity

People naturally wonder how their experiences compare to others. The test provides a quantifiable way to satisfy this curiosity.

4. Coming-of-Age Marker

For many, the test serves as an informal milestone. Retaking it at different life stages shows personal growth and change.

5. Entertainment Value

Simply put, it's fun! The test is entertaining and often leads to amusing conversations and stories.

Who Takes the Rice Purity Test?

While anyone can take the test, certain demographics are more likely to participate:

Overall Average Rice Purity Score

• High School Students: Often take it out of curiosity or as a social activity
• College Freshmen: Frequently take it during orientation or the first semester
• College Students Generally: The most common demographic for the test
• Young Adults: May take it to reflect on college years or compare experiences

Geographic Reach

While the test originated in the United States, it's now taken worldwide. The internet has made it accessible to people across different cultures and countries, though some questions may be more or less relevant depending on cultural context.

What Makes a "Good" Score?

This is perhaps the most common question about the test, and the answer might surprise you:

Let's explore what different score ranges typically indicate:

• 90-100: Very limited life experiences (common in younger teens)
• 70-89: Some experiences (common in high schoolers and college freshmen)
• 50-69: Moderate experiences (average for college students)
• 30-49: Significant experiences (common in upperclassmen and graduates)
• 0-29: Extensive experiences (less common but not unusual)

Common Misconceptions About the Test

Misconception #1: Lower Scores Are "Cooler"

Reality: The test isn't a competition. A lower score doesn't make you more worldly or interesting—it just means you've had different experiences.

Misconception #2: It Measures Moral Character

Reality: The test measures experiences, not ethics. You can be a good person with any score.

Misconception #3: You Should Try to Change Your Score

Reality: Your score should reflect honest experiences. Never do (or avoid) something just to change your Rice Purity score.

Misconception #4: It's Scientifically Valid

Reality: This isn't a psychological assessment tool. It's a social activity meant for fun and self-reflection.

Variations of the Rice Purity Test

Over the years, numerous variations have emerged:

• Updated Modern Version: Some sites update questions to reflect contemporary culture
• Innocence Test: A gentler version with less mature content
• Fanfiction Rice Purity Test: Adapted for online fandom culture
• Gaming Community Versions: Tailored to specific gaming communities
• Relationship-Focused Versions: Emphasizing romantic and relationship experiences

Privacy and Safety Considerations

When taking the Rice Purity Test, keep these things in mind:

Is the Test Anonymous?

Most online versions don't collect personal information. Your score is typically calculated in your browser without being sent anywhere. However, always check the website's privacy policy.

Should You Share Your Score?

Sharing is completely optional. While many people do share and compare scores, you should only do so if you're comfortable. There's no obligation to disclose your results.

Age Appropriateness

The test contains mature content and is generally intended for people aged 17+. Younger individuals should take it with appropriate context and understanding.

Cultural Impact of the Rice Purity Test

The test has become a notable part of modern youth culture:

• Social Media Trends: Score reveals and reactions frequently go viral
• College Tradition: Many universities have adopted it as an unofficial tradition
• Conversation Catalyst: It starts discussions about experiences and boundaries
• Self-Identity Tool: Some use it as part of understanding their own growth

Criticisms and Controversies

Like any popular phenomenon, the test has its critics:

• Peer Pressure Concerns: Some worry it encourages risky behavior to lower scores
• Judgment and Stigma: Can lead to judging others based on their scores
• Oversimplification: Reduces complex life experiences to a single number
• Privacy Issues: Sharing scores can reveal very personal information
• Cultural Bias: Some questions reflect American college culture specifically

The Future of the Rice Purity Test

Despite being decades old, the test continues to evolve:

• Modern adaptations reflect contemporary experiences
• New platforms make it more accessible
• Communities create specialized versions
• The core concept remains popular across generations

Final Thoughts

The Rice Purity Test is ultimately what you make of it. For some, it's a fun social activity. For others, it's a tool for self-reflection. And for many, it's both.

The most important things to remember are:

• Answer honestly for meaningful results
• Don't judge yourself or others based on scores
• Use it as a conversation starter, not a competition
• Respect everyone's privacy regarding their results
• Remember it's meant to be fun, not stressful