Reference
Rice Purity Test Glossary
Clear definitions of every term, abbreviation, and piece of vocabulary used in the Rice Purity Test and its surrounding culture.
MPS
An abbreviation used in the original Rice Thresher version of the test. Stands for 'Member of the Preferred Sex.' Modern versions typically replace MPS with 'partner' or 'someone' for inclusive framing.
Purity Score
Your final number on the Rice Purity Test, between 0 and 100. Calculated as 100 minus the number of items you checked. Higher = more 'innocent,' lower = more 'experienced.'
O-Week
Orientation Week. The first week of college at Rice University and many other schools, when incoming freshmen go through orientation activities including (traditionally) taking the Rice Purity Test as a bonding exercise.
Rice Thresher
Rice University's student newspaper, which originally published the Rice Purity Test in 1924. Maintains the canonical version of the test today at ricepuritytest.com.
Innocence Test
Alternative name for the Rice Purity Test, used interchangeably online. Captures the same concept of measuring innocence through life experience.
Hookup
Casual sexual encounter without expectation of relationship continuation. Appears in question 78 of the test ('participated in a casual hookup').
Skinny-dipping
Swimming nude. Appears in question 53 of the test ('gone skinny-dipping').
Streaking
Running through a public area while nude, typically as a prank or dare. Appears in question 54 ('gone streaking').
Mile-high club
Slang for having sexual intercourse on an airplane during flight. Appears in question 77 ('joined the mile-high club').
Hickey
A bruise on the skin caused by sucking or biting, typically during kissing. Appears in question 11 ('given or received a hickey').
Saintly (90–100)
The most innocent score range on the Rice Purity Test. About 8% of test-takers score here. Common in teens and early college students.
Gentle Soul (70–89)
Score range indicating above-average innocence. The most common range overall, particularly among college students aged 18–24.
Balanced (50–69)
Score range right around the global average of 64. Statistically typical for adults 25+.
Adventurous (30–49)
Score range indicating significant life experience across most categories. Common in adults 30+ with active social and dating histories.
Untamed (0–29)
The most experienced score range. Less than 5% of test-takers score here. Indicates extensive engagement with the test's heaviest categories.
Weighted Rice Purity Test
A variation of the test where different questions count for different point values, rather than the standard 1-point-per-item scoring. Less common but still in circulation.
Brown Rice Purity Test
A Gen Z parody version of the original Rice Purity Test, with modernized and humor-focused questions. One of many derivative versions that emerged after the test went viral on TikTok.