What is the Rice Purity Test?

Introduction to the Rice Purity Test

Origins and Purpose

The Rice Purity Test is a self-graded survey designed to measure a person's "innocence" or level of life experience. It originated at Rice University in Houston, Texas, in 1924, where it first appeared in The Rice Thresher student newspaper as a ten-question printed list. Aimed at female freshmen during orientation week, the test was meant to be a humorous icebreaker, encouraging honesty and camaraderie among new students.

The 1924 version—the earliest verified edition—was modest by modern standards. Its questions asked whether participants had ever cheated, lied, broken an engagement, or drunk alcohol. Far from being scandalous, it reflected the moral sensibilities of its era and served as a lighthearted gauge of how “worldly” students were thought to be.

Evolution Across Decades

Changing Questions in the Late 20th Century

Over time, the test evolved alongside changing social attitudes. By the 1970s and 1980s, it had spread beyond Rice's campus and was reportedly expanded to include male students and a broader range of questions. These later forms began addressing topics like dating, sexuality, drinking, and mild rule-breaking. Each “yes” answer would subtract a point from 100, meaning that a higher score represented greater innocence while a lower score indicated broader experience. The format's simplicity—one hundred yes-or-no questions—made it easy to copy, modify, and share.

Documented Editions

Confirmed Releases

However, the historical record shows that not every version can be confirmed. While many sources mention 1974, 1988, and 2008 iterations, only two editions—the 1924 and 1998 versions—can be directly verified in the official Rice Thresher archives available through Rice University's Digital Collections. The 1998 edition, published on November 13 of that year, established the now-familiar 100-question format and replaced the earlier term “MOS” (“Member of the Opposite Sex”) with “MPS” (“Member of the Preferred Sex”) to reflect more inclusive language. This version kept the playful tone but removed inappropriate or outdated items that had appeared in earlier, unofficial lists.

The Original 10-question Rice Purity Test in the Rice Thresher newspaper in 1924. Read theoriginal article.

Campus Variations and Rumored Editions

The 1988 and 2008 versions often cited online likely existed as campus variations rather than formally published tests. Student editors and orientation leaders may have adapted questions informally between official releases, resulting in multiple unofficial copies that circulated through word of mouth and photocopies.

The 100-question Rice Purity Test in the Rice Thresher newspaper in 1998. Read theoriginal article (p.20).

Digital Era and Global Spread

Online Adoption

With the rise of the internet in the 2000s, the Rice Purity Test transformed from a niche campus ritual into a global digital phenomenon. Websites hosting the quiz allowed anyone to take it anonymously and share scores instantly. Teenagers and college students worldwide began comparing results in group chats or on social media platforms like Reddit, TikTok, and Twitter. The modern web-based version retains the 100-question structure of the 1998 test and continues to frame itself as a playful, non-serious exploration of life experience.

Cultural Perspectives

Mixed Reactions

Culturally, opinions about the test remain divided. Many people view it as harmless fun—a nostalgic or funny way to reflect on personal milestones and spark conversation. Others criticize it for encouraging peer comparison, reinforcing stereotypes, or making participants uncomfortable about their past choices. Some universities have even discouraged using it during official orientation events, citing privacy and inclusivity concerns.

Enduring Legacy

A Lasting Snapshot of Youth Culture

Despite those debates, the Rice Purity Test endures as a snapshot of generational change. It reveals how young people have long balanced curiosity, morality, and social exploration—first through handwritten checklists in 1924 and now through viral online quizzes.

Nearly a century after its creation, the Rice Purity Test continues to serve the same fundamental purpose: helping people connect, laugh, and reflect on what it means to grow up. And while many versions have been rumored or re-imagined, only the 1924 and 1998 editions remain historically verifiable, marking the beginning and the digital rebirth of a uniquely enduring piece of college culture.