Berkeley Purity Test vs Rice Purity Test: Key Differences
Published: October 23, 2026 | Updated: October 23, 2026
The Rice Purity Test has been a well-known rite of passage for students across the globe, but many college campuses have created their own tailored versions. One of the most searched spin-offs is the Berkeley Purity Test, a campus parody made by and for the student community at the University of California, Berkeley. In short, it is an unofficial, fan-made take on the Rice Purity Test, themed around Berkeley student life. It is not an official UC Berkeley product, and no official university association exists. This guide explains what the Berkeley Purity Test is, how it compares with the original Rice checklist, and which one you might enjoy more.
What Is the Berkeley Purity Test?
The Berkeley Purity Test is a self-scored checklist built for people who know UC Berkeley campus culture. Several live versions exist across the web. One is the “IVmissed BERKELEY Purity Test” on ivmissed.com, which explicitly calls itself unofficial and inspired by the Rice Purity Test. There are also dedicated fan domains like berkeleypuritytest.com and calpuritytest.com. Students also discuss their results in Reddit communities such as r/berkeley and share reactions in TikToks and Reels.
Depending on the site version, the question count varies, usually running between 75 and 100 items (one popular version lists 100 items, including a placeholder item). The questions are hyper-local and full of campus inside jokes. Expect references to:
- Studying or pulling all-nighters at Moffitt Library
- Spotting Oski the mascot on campus
- Dodging student flyers on Sproul Plaza
- Visiting Sather Gate, the Campanile, Memorial Glade, or the Big C
- Living in the Unit dorms or grabbing boba on Southside
- Participating in the dead-week scream, or rubbing the 4.0 Ball and 4.0 Hill before finals
- Using ChatGPT on a homework assignment
The tone is playful and sometimes crude like the original, but everything is packed with Berkeley-specific references. Scoring works like the Rice test: start at 100 and subtract one point for every “yes.” There is no official good or bad score, and a lower number simply means more Berkeley experiences checked off. Like all purity quizzes, it is just for fun and says nothing about your character or morals.
What Is the Rice Purity Test?
The Rice Purity Test is the original 100-question self-scored checklist from Rice University. Its first version was a 1924 Rice Thresher survey, and the modern 100-question version came decades later. You start at 100 and subtract one point for every “yes” to an experience question, so a lower score means more experiences. The questions cover general college-life experiences, dating, and social life without being tied to any single campus, which helps explain why the checklist travels so widely. If you are new to the concept, our complete guide to the Rice Purity Test walks through how it all works.
Berkeley Purity Test vs Rice Purity Test: Key Differences
Here is a quick overview of how the two quizzes compare at a glance:
| Feature | Berkeley Purity Test | Rice Purity Test |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Unofficial fan-made campus parody themed around UC Berkeley; creator and exact year unknown | Rice University; first version a 1924 Rice Thresher survey; modern 100-question version came decades later |
| Number of questions | Varies by version, roughly 75 to 100 items | Fixed at 100 questions |
| Question style | Hyper-local Berkeley references, campus spots, and academic life | General college-life experiences, not tied to one campus |
| Scoring | Start at 100, subtract one point per “yes” | Start at 100, subtract one point per “yes” |
| Intended audience | UC Berkeley students, alumni, and campus followers | Teens and college students broadly, plus anyone curious about the viral checklist |
The biggest difference is local flavor. The Berkeley Purity Test rewards familiarity with campus landmarks, traditions, and student habits, so many items will mean nothing to outsiders. The Rice version is broader, so more people can understand and compare scores. Both are just for fun, and neither is a serious assessment.
Which One Should You Take?
If you want a universal quiz you can compare with friends from any school or town, take the classic Rice Purity Test. If you attend UC Berkeley, or just want a funny look into Golden Bear campus culture, try the Berkeley Purity Test to see how many local rites of passage you recognize. You can also take both and compare, since the scoring style is the same. Just remember that neither quiz has an official good or bad score, and a test score does not reflect anyone’s character, morals, or value.
When you are ready, you can take the Rice Purity Test right here on our site, and afterwards see what your score means. You may also enjoy our roundup of Rice Purity Test variations, which covers more campus spin-offs like this one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Berkeley Purity Test official?
No. It is an unofficial, fan-made campus parody. It is not an official UC Berkeley product, and no official university association exists.
Who created the Berkeley Purity Test, and when?
That is unknown. It appears to come from anonymous students or alumni, with multiple versions circulating over time. No creator or creation year has been confirmed.
How many questions does the Berkeley Purity Test have?
It varies by version, roughly 75 to 100 items. One observed version listed 100 items with a placeholder item.
Is it the same as the Rice Purity Test?
No. It borrows the same scoring style, but its questions are heavily themed around UC Berkeley student life instead of general college experiences.
Is there a good or bad score on the Berkeley Purity Test?
No. There is no official good or bad score. A lower number simply means more experiences checked off, and the quiz says nothing about your character or morals.
Where can I find the Berkeley Purity Test?
Live versions reported include the IVmissed BERKELEY Purity Test on ivmissed.com and fan domains like berkeleypuritytest.com and calpuritytest.com. It is also discussed in Reddit communities such as r/berkeley and in TikToks or Reels from Berkeley students.
