Marton Merritt

University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign,
Barcelona, Spain

Marton Merritt is a dedicated educator and certified tennis coach with over a decade of international teaching experience. Holding a Bachelor’s degree in International Economics and a minor in Portuguese from the University of Illinois, Urbana/Champaign, Marton combines his academic expertise with a passion for empowering students to achieve their academic goals.


Having lived and worked in Brazil and Spain for a combined 13 years, Marton is fluent in Portuguese, Spanish, and Catalan, which enhances his ability to connect with students from diverse backgrounds. His teaching philosophy centers on the belief that every student has unique potential waiting to be unlocked. He specializes in standardized test preparation, including the Digital SAT, ACT, and TOEFL, employing personalized strategies that have helped many students achieve significant score improvements and build self-confidence.


Marton’s approach to test prep is comprehensive and engaging. He leverages his international experience to create lessons that not only prepare students for exams but also broaden their cultural understanding. By utilizing innovative tools and techniques, he ensures that each student receives tailored instruction that addresses their specific needs.


As a PTR-certified tennis coach and avid player, Marton understands the importance of discipline and strategy—principles he applies to both his coaching and tutoring. He believes in fostering a growth mindset, encouraging his students to approach challenges with determination and focus. Marton views test preparation much like training for a marathon or other athletic event. He works backwards from the test date, creating tailor-made study plans that give each student exactly what they need to succeed. This personalized approach ensures that students build their skills progressively, peaking at the right time for their exam, just as an athlete would for a big race. By combining this strategic planning with targeted practice and ongoing support, Marton helps his students develop the endurance, skills, and confidence needed to excel on test day.


In his free time, Marton enjoys riding his bike, reading, and running, having qualified for the Boston Marathon. His commitment to education extends beyond test preparation; he aims to inspire a love for learning in all his students while equipping them with skills that will serve them well throughout their academic careers.


With a unique blend of academic expertise, athletic discipline, and cultural insight, Marton is dedicated to helping each student reach their highest potential.