Professors won't write recommendations?

[tog_attack]

Hi all, this post regards my attempt to get into a math phD program. I have just completed my undergrad BS in math with nearly a 4.0 g.p.a., and I've already taken both the subject and general GRE exams and scored well enough where I would have been able to get into programs.

The problem I ran into is that during my last few years as an undergrad, I was quite outspoken against what was essentially an "old boys club" math department at my small school, and I managed to alienate myself from the professors that could have written me letters of recommendation, which it seems are the most important part of the application process.

Now I'm kind of stuck as to where I should go from here. My only real options as far as I can think would be to move to a different school and take some graduate courses or perhaps volunteer to help professors with some research. I figured I would ask you guys as to what my best course of action might be?

Any help is appreciated, and I thank you in advance!

 

[Angry Citizen]

Have you actually ASKED them for letters, or are you just assuming they won't because you offered criticism of them in the past?

 

[micromass]

A good first step is to actually ask them for letters of recommendations. I'm sure you'll find some willing to do that.