The principal objective of this study was to explore the predictive power of thinking styles for metacognition when self-rated abilities were taken into account. As a preliminary step, the study examined the psychometric properties of the Metacognitive Awareness Inventory (MAI). Four hundred and twenty-four university students from mainland China responded to the MAI, the Thinking Styles Inventory-Revised II, and the Self-Rated Ability Scale. The study ascertained the reliability and validity of the MAI. More importantly, results suggested that three creativity-generating styles (hierarchical, liberal and legislative) and the executive style predicted metacognition beyond self-rated abilities. Practical significance of the main research finding was discussed for university faculty members, students and university senior managers. (Contains 3 tables.)