The GMAT ESR can seem like the only option to get some insights into why you missed your target score on the live test. You don't get access to the actual test you took and the correct answers so you can understand what you missed? It's like a sport team not having access to the film of past games. How are you supposed to figure out how to improve?
The ESR only answers the "WHAT" question -- what question types, topics and difficulty levels you got right and wrong. But that only part of the question. The big is issue is why you got them wrong. Things like which parts of your quant and verbal processes are broken and where you're making things harder for yourself all remain unanswered questions. And if timing is a problem, the reason is another big question mark.
We've spent the time to look at what leads to surprising score shortfalls. Over working with more than 1000 clients, we've identified more than 30 key process areas that usually lead to lower scores despite strong content knowledge. We've discovered the key is an expert set of eyes on your in-test process. Testing simulation puts you in a practice test with a performance coach -- and identifies exactly where you're falling short on your process.
Equally important is actually fixing process problems after they've been identified. Again live coaching plays a big part. Studying content is relatively easy compared to changing bad habits. Just a like a sports coach can help drive the repetitive changes that lead to improved live game play -- a performance coach can be the inspiration you need to make core changes that give you access to much higher scores in both quant and verbal without spending more time on the old vicious cycle of "practice problems and practice tests".
Make no mistake, the GMAT is sport -- there's an expert opponent on the other side (the test writers) who know how to play the game to exploit test-takers process and psychological weaknesses. In any sport, a coach plays a huge role in making you more prepared to compete.