Demographics

Scores by Age Group

Scores on the Rice Purity Test mean entirely different things at different life stages. A high score at age 14 is very common, while that same score at age 25 would be highly unusual. It's all about where you are in your personal timeline.

Average Scores By Age

Note: These are community estimates based on self-reported data, not clinical or scientific studies.

85–97

Age 13–15: Most people in this age bracket have not yet experienced the milestones that make up the bulk of the test.

70–88

Age 16–18: As high school progresses, scores typically begin to drop slightly as independence increases.

45–72

Age 18–22: This is the steepest drop for most people. College environments expose students to many of the test's items.

38–65

Age 23–29: Scores continue to drop slowly as young adults navigate their twenties.

30–60

Age 30+: By this age, most people have checked off the majority of the experiences they will ever check.

Why Do Scores Drop With Age?

A dropping score is a natural reflection of life experience, not a sign of moral decline. As you grow older, you inevitably encounter more situations, relationships, and environments that align with the items on the test checklist.

Why College Causes the Biggest Shift

The test was originally created for college students at Rice University, which is why so many questions reflect the typical "college experience." The leap in independence, living away from home, and new social dynamics mean that students usually see their scores drop by 20–30 points between freshman and senior year.

What If My Score Is Different?

If your score is significantly higher or lower than the average for your age, it simply means your path has been different. Some people mature early; others take their time. A "good" score is purely subjective, so there's no reason to stress if you fall outside the average band. What matters is that you're comfortable with your own experiences.

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