<p>I agree with your mother. But even without the “discovery,” you’d have a good shot. You’d need to do well on math/science subject tests and try to demonstrate a passion for it elsewhere – e.g. leading a team that goes on to some international science olympiad (there are many budding science olympiads that are not as competitive as, say, IMO). Your accomplishments are impressive, given that you’re just a sophomore. Try out the Intel and Siemens competitions – you have plenty of time. Do research (you can try to publish something, though that is really difficult and you’d need collaboration). You’d have a very good chance at MIT.</p>