When Was the Rice Purity Test Made? History, Origins, and Cultural Impact
The Rice Purity Test is one of the most well-known online quizzes among students and young adults. It’s a self-reported survey that measures your “purity” based on life experiences in areas such as relationships, academic integrity, and social activities. But many people wonder: When was the Rice Purity Test made, and what’s the story behind it? In this article, we’ll explore the origins of the test, how it became popular, and what it means today.
Origins of the Rice Purity Test
The Rice Purity Test was first created in the 1980s at Rice University in Houston, Texas, USA. Its original purpose was not as a public internet quiz but as a fun icebreaker for incoming college students. The idea was simple: by answering a set of questions, students could learn more about each other’s experiences and backgrounds in a lighthearted way.
The earliest versions were printed on paper and distributed among students. Participants would check off any experiences they had, and their total score represented how “pure” they were. Higher scores meant fewer life experiences, while lower scores meant more adventurous or experienced lifestyles.
The Official Thresher Rice Purity Test
The Rice Thresher, Rice University’s student newspaper, played a significant role in popularizing the quiz on campus. They published the test in their paper, and it became a tradition for new students to take it during orientation week.
Over time, this original Thresher version evolved and made its way online. Today, many websites host their own versions, but the Thresher Rice Purity Test is still considered the “official” version by Rice University alumni.
When Did the Rice Purity Test Come Out Online?
The test moved from printed sheets to the internet in the late 1990s to early 2000s, when students began sharing digital copies. Once it was online, it spread far beyond Rice University. By the 2010s, it had become a viral quiz among high school and college students worldwide, especially on social media platforms like Tumblr, Twitter, and TikTok.
What Does the Rice Purity Test Mean?
Although it’s often taken as a joke or a fun challenge among friends, the test is essentially a self-assessment of life experience.
- High score (90–100) → More sheltered, fewer social or romantic experiences
- Medium score (50–89) → Balanced lifestyle with some life experiences
- Low score (0–49) → Highly experienced or adventurous lifestyle
It’s important to remember that the Rice Purity Test is not a scientific tool and should not be used to judge someone’s morality, worth, or character.
Cultural Impact
Over the decades, the Rice Purity Test has become more than just a college tradition:
- Icebreaker for new students – Still used in some universities during orientation.
- Friend group challenge – Often taken in groups to compare scores.
- Internet meme – Shared widely as a funny personality benchmark.
- Pop culture reference – Appears in online discussions, YouTube videos, and social media trends.
Conclusion
So, when was the Rice Purity Test made? The answer is: it originated in the 1980s at Rice University, became a beloved college tradition, and eventually spread worldwide through the internet. Today, it remains one of the most iconic and lighthearted quizzes, offering a playful way for people to reflect on their life experiences.
Whether you score high or low, remember: your number is just a fun reflection of your journey—not a definition of who you are.