Not sure if this can be done but it'd be nice if there was a way to start the game out as a force adept instead of the base non-jedi classes or as a full on jedi. Is this possible?

I believe someone already made a mod where you start out a as jedi...

This (http://www.pcgamemods.com/mod/9515.html) might help, and This (http://www.pcgamemods.com/mod/7808.html) might help too.

What I'm actually trying to do is create a new class, not start out as a jedi.

^^^^
You can create new Non-Force using classes, but we cannot create new classes that have Force Powers. For some... really lame reason... this is hardcoded! :(

But if force powers don't matter then yes a new class is possible. ;)

Is this true for TSL as well?

Is this true for TSL as well?
Yeah it is, sad to say.

It seems to me that this can be worked around by first creating a new non-jedi class and then somewhere early on (possibly the "Awaken" line) you can have the game run a few scripts to up your force points and give you one or two basic powers.

Although, you won't be able to learn new force powers at each level up, but it would give the illusion of the character being able to use the force despite not being a jedi class. Just an idea though.