Is there any way to edit the attributes of the party characters before they join

Such as if Atton's stats were

STR: 10
DEX: 12
CON: 14
INT: 8
WIS: 10
CHA: 12

Could i change it to

STR: 14
DEX: 16
CON: 14
INT: 12
WIS: 10
CHA: 12

Sure, using KotOR Tool, you can edit party member stats & equipment.

Check out this thread for starters... http://www.lucasforums.com/showthread.php?t=143421)

Then, when you've got KotOR Tool downloaded and installed, in the tree, expand: "Kotor II", "BIFs", "templates.bif", and finally "Blueprint Character".

Open a Party Member Template (at the bottom of the list in KT)
p_[insertpartymembernamehere].utc (i.e. p_atris.utc)

Make the adjustments you want, save the new template to your Override folder, then start a new game :)

Thanks

Or you could use the KSE which can edit all the members of your party and your NPC, inventory, etc.
The KSE (KotOR Save Editor) is located here:
http://www.lucasforums.com/showthread.php?t=123671)