1. You have to send ALL transcripts in to AMCAS when you apply.
2. Not sure, ask a pre-med advisor at your school.
3. You'll get mixed opinions on this. I feel that if you write it well and don't use cliches in your writing, this could work. My suggestion would be to write a personal statement with it, and then one without it, and have people read both to get feedback on what works best.