What Does MPS Mean in Rice Purity Test?
If you’re taking the Rice Purity Test and you hit the term “MPS”, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most confusing abbreviations in the quiz and it can make people pause because they’re unsure what it’s asking.
This page explains what MPS means in simple words, how to interpret it, and how to answer it without overthinking.
If you want to continue the quiz first, you can take Rice Purity Test here, then come back.
What does “MPS” stand for?
MPS stands for “Member of the Preferred Sex.”
That phrase is used in many classic versions of the test to avoid specifying gender directly.
What does “preferred sex” mean?
“Preferred sex” basically means the gender you’re attracted to (or would choose in a relationship context).
So “MPS” is just a shorthand for:
“a person you’re attracted to”
It’s written that way so the quiz can apply broadly to different people.
How to answer MPS questions correctly
The Rice Purity Test is a yes/no checklist. When you see MPS in a question, ask yourself:
- Did I do this with someone I’m attracted to?
- If the question applies to any gender preference, does it match my situation?
Answer based on your own real experience, not what you “think counts.”
Tip: If you’re unsure what the quiz “counts,” keep it simple: answer honestly using your most natural interpretation. The test is for fun, not a legal document.
Why does the Rice Purity Test use MPS?
Many older quiz formats used shorthand terms like MPS to:
- keep questions short
- avoid rewriting questions for different genders
- keep the test broad and reusable
That’s why you’ll see MPS appear in multiple questions.
The convention dates back to the original 1980s version of the test created at Rice University, for the full backstory, see What is the Rice Purity Test? Its Origins and Popularity.
Does MPS mean the same thing on every version of the test?
Yes on most popular versions, MPS consistently means “Member of the Preferred Sex.” Some sites may phrase questions slightly differently, but the meaning stays basically the same.
FAQ
Is MPS a “bad” word?
No. It’s just an abbreviation used in the quiz.
What if I don’t like the wording?
That’s normal, it’s an older-style phrasing. Just interpret it as “a person I’m attracted to” and move on.
Where can I learn what my score means after finishing?
Use our Rice Purity Test Score Meaning guide.
MPS is one of those quirks left over from older versions of the quiz, and once you know what it means, the rest of the test gets a lot easier to answer. Don’t overthink it, just answer based on whoever you’re personally attracted to and move on. Take the Rice Purity Test →