The US embassy website
http://www.usembassy.org.uk/ukembabt.html has loads of info.
What are you going to do in America in that year? If you have enough money to last you the year, then you probably can get a visa. When you arrive in the US you won't get admitted for the whole year, but will be able to apply to stay on, provided you can continue to prove that you can support yourself and apply before your aithorised stay runs out.
You will NOT be able to work in the US. If you give the slightest hint you are going to, you are unlikely to get the visa, and even if you do could be turned away when you arrive.
You may find there is an exchange scheme that would suit you - try www.bunac.org for some examples