Hi there,

Most test-takers I've worked with have found that 2-3 months of part time study is sufficient, even at only 1-2 hours/day, 4-6 days/week or so. It depends to a certain extent what your starting score is, and what your target score is. So you may want to take an initial practice test soon or at the start of your studies, just to get a baseline and some familiarity with the exam, plus a feel for your strengths and weaknesses. Then set aside that specific study period and your test date. You'll be glad to get the GMAT done no later than this summer if you are applying this fall, so that you'll have more time for your applications in the fall.

As for what books to choose, there are tons of threads on this board on that topic, or members can jump in. Do some research, and make sure to practice sufficiently in a computer adaptive test format no matter what materials you use.

Good luck!