Arne Duncan, U.S. secretary of education, is encouraging colleges, universities and scholarship programs to consider extending an early November deadline for applications, according to a U.S. Department of Education news release.

The extension for the deadline would accommodate students already impacted by Hurricane Sandy and who may be going through unexpected hardships, according to the U.S. Department of Education.

According to the U.S. Department of Education, some institutions have already begun to adjust their deadlines in light of the storm. Duncan said many colleges and universities recognize unanticipated difficulties students face when completing their college applications, according to the U.S. Department of Education.

Duncan said institutions that have not extended their application to give students and college counselors more time.