アメリカン・アカデミー・オブ・ドラマティック・アーツ
Merrill graduated from Miss Porter's School, then attended George Washington University in Washington, DC for one term, but dropped out and enrolled at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City. She studied acting at HB Studio under Uta Hagen. She received a lifetime achievement award from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in April 2005.