From a curious tradition in a university dorm to a global internet phenomenon, the Rice Purity Test has a fascinating history. This page explains everything you need to know about its origins, purpose, and cultural significance.
The test was born at Rice University in Houston, Texas, sometime around 1924. Contrary to popular belief, it was not an official university document. It was created by students, for students, as an anonymous icebreaker for incoming freshmen. The original list of questions was a way for them to privately compare their life experiences and see how they stacked up against their new peers.
The original test was quite different from the one we know today. As social norms changed through the decades, so did the questions. Items that were once considered daring became commonplace, and new questions were added to reflect the modern world. The version on this website is the "official" online version, containing the 100 classic questions that made the test a viral sensation.
Originally, the test was a tool for social bonding in a small community. Today, its purpose has broadened:
Yes. On our website, your privacy is guaranteed. The test is processed entirely within your web browser. We do not see, save, or store your answers or your final score. There is no login, and no personal data is ever collected, making the experience completely safe and anonymous.
If you haven't taken the test yet, or want to see if your score has changed, now is the perfect time. The official 100-question quiz is free and anonymous.
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