Staying in the UK one year

Yeah thanks I figured that was reaching just a bit. Six months it is then! Well atleast that will help my grandparents and it won't be so bad when it comes to scholarships for college.

If you do come for 6 months be prepared to show you have a lot of funds. They won't like it if you just have a credit card.So bring cash,travelers checks and etc. If you are employed there in the US,make sure you get a letter from your employer stating you are returning to work on such and such date.  You have to prove to the immgration officer that you are not planning on staying for more then 6 months or you'll be on the next flight back home , Good luck

by the way- my name is Carly as well

It might be worth looking into something like this

http://www.workpermit.com/uk/voluntary_workers.htm
http://www.workpermit.com/uk/gap_year_entrants.htm

From the Home Office Site

http://www.workingintheuk.gov.uk/working_in_the_uk/en/homepage/schemes_and_programmes/gap_year_entrants.html?

http://www.workingintheuk.gov.uk/working_in_the_uk/en/homepage/schemes_and_programmes/voluntary_workers.html?