Do you know what states these people were taking it in? Don't you think that this would be important?

The sure way to failure is not taking a prep course.  Passing the CPA exam isn't about being smart.  It's about knowing how to take these four tests!  I know it's tough to admit the need to pay for a prep course.  Some years back, I started the licensure process without a prep class and had only moderate success.  I thought "I'm smart and don't need it" (but I'm smart in other ways, not in this particular way, and bright people always tend to "over-think" the questions).  So this time around, I'm loyally using a prep class and following all of its expensive advice. 

Do not let yourself be another loser statistic. Find the prep materials that are right for your situation, and use them like a religion!