Frequently Asked Questions

Need help? In this section, we answer some of the more common questions we receive about HopGPT.

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What is HopGPT?

HopGPT is a generative AI platform that provides members of the Johns Hopkins University and Medicine community with secure, JHED-authenticated access to multiple Large Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT and Claude through a familiar interface.

How long do chats last?

Your chat prompts and AI-generated responses are purged after 30 days. Please review our Data Retention Notice for more information.

Where can I find additional training?

The Sheridan Libraries has assembled a number of AI literacy resources. Please visit Artificial Intelligence for Research & Scholarship.

Which model is best?

Models options available through HopGPT can (and do) change frequently. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses. When making your selection, we include subtitles to highlight each model’s strengths. A web search, given your use case, for example, “best llm for document summary,” might reveal GPT-5 or Claude Sonnet 4 as an excellent choice. Please visit Choosing a Model in HopGPT for more information.

Is HopGPT HIPAA compliant?

While HopGPT is approved for sensitive data, including PHI and PII, you must act in a manner consistent with appropriate use of PHI / PII and be a responsible steward of the data you enter into and collect from HopGPT. In accordance with Johns Hopkins University and Johns Hopkins Medicine policies, you should always minimize the amount of sensitive information used to accomplish your intended goal.

Is HopGPT FERPA compliant?

HopGPT is safe to use with sensitive data, including student information, but should not be used to perform student-related academic assessments as inputs and outputs are only retained for 30 days. Further, you are responsible for acting in a manner consistent with the Terms of Use and applicable Johns Hopkins University and Medicine policies.

What are the file size limits for HopGPT?

The exact file size, or context limit, varies depending on the specific implementation. Generally, files up to several MB can be processed, but larger files may need to be split or summarized.

LLM Context Limits:

  • Context limits vary by model, typically ranging from about 2,000 to 32,000 tokens.
  • A token is roughly 4 characters or 3/4 of a word in English.
  • For example, GPT-3.5 has a limit of about 4,000 tokens, while GPT-4 can handle up to 8,000 or 32,000 tokens, depending on the version.

Longer documents may need to be summarized or split into smaller chunks. HopGPT can analyze large files but may not be able to hold the entire content in its “memory” at once.

How is HopGPT different from ChatGPT Edu?

ChatGPT Edu is available to faculty and staff in the Whiting School of Engineering. Key differences from HopGPT include:

  • Access to additional OpenAI models
  • Ability to create and share custom GPTs or assistants with your team or department

ChatGPT Edu requires an annual subscription and does not provide access to models outside of the OpenAI portfolio. For more information about this service, please contact [email protected].

How do I request additional models?

HopGPT is a product governed by several organizations. To request consideration of an additional model, email [email protected]. Be sure to include your use case in your correspondence.

How do I request API access to the models?

API access to models available within HopGPT is considered on a case-by-case basis and does require a cost object. If you would like to request access, please contact us.

How do I request a custom agent or assistant?

The product team is working to develop repeatable processes to support custom assistants. We expect this to be the focus of our efforts into 2026. Please share your use case with us to help prioritize our efforts.