Preparation for the UCAT tends to polarize opinions. Critics argue that coaching and practice tests can manufacture high scores, favoring those with resources. Yet there’s nuance here: while technique and familiarity with question types improve performance, so too do metacognitive skills—self-awareness about when to move on, how to allocate time, and how to manage anxiety. In that sense, the UCAT rewards not only raw ability but disciplined preparation and reflective practice—traits beneficial for a medical career.