The number of punchees is whittled down to the 15 to 20 openings, and "a lot of luck" is needed to be invited to join, says one punchee.

Punchees say they withstand the punching proces because of the promise of a better social life if they join. Final clubs offer a social structure that Harvard does not provide, says one club member; students can bond in an environment that crosses house and extracurricular lines.

"Social clubs are ways of meeting people," the member says. "Harvard is lacking a center where people of all classes can get together."

"A club offers a place to hang out," he adds. "Clubs do provide a social life."

Some members say that joining a final club means much more than an active social life. For them, it is an entrance into a support group of alumni. But other members say making connections has little to do with their decision to join the clubs. In fact, they say, clubs have policies concerning networking. At one final club, under-graduates are forbidden to request jobs from alumni.

"Whatever network exists, exists between guys you become friends with in the club," a member says. "Graduates come back to have a good time, [not to give jobs]. They want to extend their college life a little bit more."

"Making connections is a bunch of shit," says one punchee. "My two brothers who were in final clubs had a good time in college but it didn't make a difference when they looked for jobs. I think people overrate it."

This weekend, many punchees begin the third stage of the process. Those who pass the second cut will move on to another outing or barbecue and will continue to have lunches with club members.

But most punchees interviewed for this article maintained a casual attitude about the process, enjoying the punch while it lasts, but saying they will not be too disappointed if they are cut.

"Personally," says one punchee, "I'm looking at it just as a way to meet people and have fun."