The term 'ACADEMIC HURDLE' can be broken down into three crossword solutions: FINAL (5 letters), EXAM (4 letters), and ORALS (5 letters). A FINAL is a type of EXAM that is usually taken at the end of a course or academic program. It is often used to assess a student's knowledge and understanding of the material they have learned. An EXAM is a test that is typically administered to measure a student's knowledge and skills in a particular subject. Orals are oral examinations that are conducted by a panel of experts in order to evaluate a student's knowledge and understanding of a particular subject. All three of these terms refer to academic hurdles that students must overcome in order to complete their studies.