Do contact those professors. All my professional life I’ve worked in a “sales capacity”. I fully understand when I’m working with people that only a certain percentage will end up working with “me”. By me, I mean my organization. To me, the “rejections” are about the organization. The acceptances are about “me”…lol. We all learn how to make the mental adjustments in jobs that involve “rejection”.
Professionals don’t take rejection personally. Do note however my pet peeve is NO communication. Then you are left wondering and waiting (the worst, right) so DO communicate out of respect. A rejection is much better than no communication!! It also shows maturity. In order NOT to burn a bridge, communicate respectfully with appreciation for their time.