While not from CA, my child is also an out of state student. She has made friends from all over the country. Many from the south, but actually, far more from the northern (both east and west) areas of the country. I honestly feel that she has had the ability to meet more of a variety of people while at Bama than if she had stayed in-state. As for the sorority “coaching”, I have heard it happens but she does not know of any of her sorority sisters that have used that service. She certainly did not, had a fantastic rush and ended up in a great house with girls from all over the country. She has not regretted choosing Bama and I am sure that as a California student you will not regret it either. Roll Tide! Go visit and see for yourself! 