In my experience, it is best to start out with a male scout and than switch to a Jedi Consular as soon as this option becomes available.  I recommend that you equip your main character with the following items:
�	Short Lightsaber with a Bondar crystal and a Kryat Dracon Pearl
�	Lightsaber with an Upari gem and a Kryat Dragon Pearl
�	Verpine Cardio-regulator
�	Brejek's Armband
�	GeoHaarden Power Gloves
�	Sith Mask
�	Sith Regenerator
�	Sith Sheild
�	Darth Revan's Robes (note: you can only get this item by siding with Bastila on the Rakatan Temple)

These feats are a must have:
�	Master Flurry 
�	Implant Level Three
�	Master Conditioning

These Powers are also a must:
�	Force Storm
�	Drain Life
�	Plague